chapter ninety- nine

**Pov Lily Brows**

Night fell upon us, and I felt the weight of exhaustion as we wandered through the dark streets of the neighboring city. Caroline was tired; her steps slowed with each block, and her stomach growled loudly. I felt powerless, unable to provide her with the comfort and security she deserved.

We had walked for miles since leaving the hospital, and I had spent the entire day trying to find some work to support the two of us. Knocking on door after door, rejection was constant, and the feeling of despair grew with each refusal.

We stumbled upon a small grocery store, our last hope of getting some help. I entered, with Caroline leaning on me, her tired and hungry eyes.

"Good evening, sir. Sorry to bother you, but I'm looking for work. Anything I can do to earn some money and feed my daughter," I explained, trying to maintain dignity despite the vulnerability I felt.

The man behind the counter, looking at me with a mix of sympathy and disinterest, shook his head. "I'm sorr