CHAPTER 8: WHEN IT RAINS IT POURS

 It was a chilly Monday morning in the city and everyone was bustling around getting ready for work. Jess was headed to her morning shift after making some soup and porridge for her father. His breathing was becoming more strained and she tried to keep him as warm as possible all the time. She had also paid all the utility bills in time for the first time in a long time. Before her father’s medical condition became worse, he had taken the car for some much needed servicing and some minor repairs. She was then able to drive to work in less time and consume a lower amount of fuel. She had hoped that Pete would give her more work but he had been very quiet. He had sent her last pay through a gift box that was filed with all sorts of candy and underwear. Jess remembered how she had blushed when she opened the box accompanied by fresh flowers. She had called him immediately to thank him for the generous bonus but he had not responded. Her phone