I never expected my life to change the way it did that day.

Mom, you’re zoning out again,” Emily’s voice pulled me back to the kitchen, where chaos was the norm.

Danny was chasing Leo around the table, and the twins were in a squabble over the last slice of toast.

“I’m fine, sweetheart,” I said, forcing a smile. The truth was, I wasn’t. Raising five kids alone since Mark passed away two years ago had been like living in a storm with no shelter.

Bills piled up, grief lingered in every corner, and the Eviction Notice that came a few weeks back was the final blow. We had a month to leave, and I had no idea where we’d go.

Just days before we were supposed to pack up and leave, another letter slipped through my mailbox, landing among the clutter of overdue bills.