Chapter 29

I stood in the doorway, her heart sinking as she took in the all-too-familiar scene before her. Her mother, Sandra, sat slouched on the couch, a glass of Brandy in her hand, her speech slurred, and her eyes bloodshot. It was a sight that I had witnessed far too many times.

Anger welled up within me, mixed with sadness and frustration. She couldn't bear to see her mother like this again, destroying herself with alcohol. Tears streamed down I's face as she rushed towards Sandra, wrapping her arms around her in a desperate attempt to provide comfort.

"Why, Mom? Why are you doing this to yourself?" I sobbed, my voice filled with anguish. "You can't keep going on like this. It's tearing me apart to see you like this."

Sandra's gaze met I's, and for a moment, there was a flicker of remorse in her eyes. She let out a heavy sigh before finally speaking, her voice laced with defeat. "I... I just got fired. I lost my job today. Everything is falling apart, and I don't know what to do."

My grip