Signs and symptoms

As they entered their apartment, Ember couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The building wasn't the most luxurious, with its worn carpet and faded paint, but their small apartment was cozy. The smell of fresh bread wafted from the bakery on the first floor, making her stomach growl with hunger.

Their apartment was a humble one-bedroom, with a living room that doubled as a dining area. The kitchen was tiny, but Ember had managed to make it functional. There were two bathrooms, a luxury in a building as old as this one. The furniture was second-hand, but Ember had spruced it up with colorful throw pillows and blankets.

As they entered, Sophia ran ahead, dropping her backpack on the floor. "I'm starving, Mommy! Can we have pizza for dinner?" She flopped down on the worn couch, her eyes fixed on the TV.

Ember smiled, exhaustion forgotten in the face of her daughter's enthusiasm. "We'll see, sweetie. Let me check what we have in the frid