HEARD US

The first thing I felt was something wet against my cheek.

I groaned, and then it happened again and again.

My eyes fluttered open. For a moment, I stared at the ceiling, confused about where I was.

Then a furry face appeared directly above me.

“Max.” I laughed. The golden retriever’s tail wagged furiously.

I sighed. “So you’re the reason I’m awake.”

He responded by licking my face again. I pushed his head away and sat up.

Immediately, I regretted it. My head felt heavy, my eyes felt swollen and that was the result of crying myself to sleep.

Last night’s conversation with Mom still lingered in my thoughts.

The rent, the bills, and her working overtime. It all felt like a weight sitting permanently on my shoulders.

I rubbed my eyes and glanced toward the window. Sunlight streamed through the curtains.

It was morning and a brand-new day. Unfortunately, my problems hadn’t disappeared overnight.

Max barked softly.

I looked down at him. “You’re hungry, aren’t you?”

His tail answered for him.

I laughed despite myself. “Of course you are.”

After freshening up, I led Max downstairs.

The mansion was quiet, the only sounds came from our footsteps echoing through the hallway.

When we reached the kitchen, I immediately noticed how spotless everything looked.

The counters gleamed, floors sparkled, not a single thing appeared out of place.

The cleaning lady had obviously come and gone before anyone woke up.

I admired her dedication. Whoever she was, she worked fast.

Max nudged my leg impatiently.

“Alright, alright.” I laughed.

I grabbed his bowl, filled it with fresh water, then poured his food into the other bowl.

The second I set them down, Max practically dove in.

I laughed and pulled out a chair. Watching him eat had become one of my favorite parts of the day.

At least Max was honest. If he liked something, he showed it. Unlike certain members of the Wilberg family.

I folded my arms on the table and watched him happily munch away. For a few blissful minutes, everything felt peaceful.

Then the sound of heels echoed through the kitchen.

I didn’t need to look up to know it was Pamela.

The peaceful atmosphere instantly vanished.

Remembering Jason’s warning from the previous night, I forced myself to remain calm, be respectful, avoid arguments, and be simple.

Pamela entered the kitchen looking as polished as ever.

Her blonde hair was perfectly styled, her clothes probably cost more than my monthly expenses.

She glanced at me briefly.

I offered a polite smile. “Good morning.”

But she said nothing, not even a nod. Pamela walked straight past me as though I didn’t exist.

I wasn’t surprised though. At this point, I almost expected it.

She opened the refrigerator, and grabbed a bottle of water. Then, to my surprise, instead of leaving, she sat down at the chair closest to mine.

The silence stretched as I pretended not to notice her.

Pamela twisted open her bottle and took a sip. Then she spoke.

“Did you hear anything last night?”

I froze, Immediately understanding what she meant.

My cheeks warmed. “No.”

Pamela laughed softly. The sound wasn’t friendly, It was mocking.

“You’re lying.” She smirked.

I kept my expression neutral.

“I’m not.”

She leaned back in her chair. “Oh, please.”

I focused on Max, refusing to engage her in a conversation.

Pamela’s smile widened. “I know you heard us.”

I remained silent. The less I said, the better. Unfortunately, Pamela seemed determined to continue.

“I was loud enough.” She yawned.

The statement hung in the air.

I stared at Max’s bowl, wishing this conversation would end. Pamela studied me closely, clearly waiting for any reaction at all.

But all I could think about was Jason’s warning. He said I should always respect Pamela, and don’t argue with her.

I needed this job far more than I needed the satisfaction of winning an argument, so I kept quiet.

Pamela’s expression slowly shifted. First amusement, then irritation and disappointment.

Apparently, provoking me wasn’t nearly as fun when I refused to participate.

Eventually, she released an annoyed breath. “You’re boring.”

I almost laughed. Coming from her, that felt like a compliment.

Pamela stood, picked up her water bottle, then headed toward the doorway. Halfway there, she paused.

I looked up, and for a brief second, our eyes met. Something flashed across her face, something I couldn’t quite identify. Without another word, she walked out.

The kitchen fell silent once again.

I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

“Well, that was exhausting.”

Max looked up from his food. His face somehow managed to look concerned.

I scratched behind his ears.

“At least you’re normal.”

His tail wagged immediately. The moment made me smile.

A second later, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen, and saw that it was my Mom.

My heart instantly lifted. I answered immediately.

“Mom?”

The excitement in her voice surprised me.

“Clare!” She shrieked.

I sat up straighter. “What happened?”

“I paid the rent.”

For a moment, I simply stared ahead, then relief washed over me.

“You did?”

“Yes.” A laugh escaped her.

The kind of laugh I hadn’t heard in days, maybe weeks. The sound warmed my chest.

“That’s amazing.” I laughed.

“I told you not to worry.”

“I was always going to worry.”

Mom chuckled. “I know.”

I smiled. The tension I’d been carrying since last night finally began easing at least a little.

Then Mom spoke again. “Now you can come home.”

I blinked. “What?”

“The rent is paid.”

“Mom….” I protested.

“There’s nothing to worry about anymore.”

I sighed. If only that were true.

“Mom, there are still bills.”

There was silence, then a reluctant sigh.

“I know.”

“And groceries.” I pointed out.

She heaved another sigh. “I know.”

“And your medication.” I said again.

“Clare.”

“I’m serious.” I whimpered.

“I know you are.”

I softened my tone. “ I’m helping.”

“You don’t have to carry everything.” She said in a serious tone.

“I’m not carrying everything.”

The lie sounded weak even to me. Mom clearly thought so too because she laughed a tired laugh.

The kind that carried years of struggle behind it.

My heart sank “I just want to help.”

“I know.” She said in a proud voice.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Then her voice softened.

“If you ever get tired, come home.”

I swallowed. “Mom…”

“I’m serious.” Her words carried a quiet tenderness.

“If they treat you badly…”

My heart squeezed. “Mom.”

“Or If you aren’t happy…”

I blinked rapidly, suddenly fighting tears again.

“You can come home.” She said finally.

The simple statement nearly broke me because no matter how difficult life became, home would always be home, and Mom would always be Mom.

“I’ll be okay.” I forced a smile.

“I know.”

We spoke for several more minutes before ending the call.

When the screen finally went dark, I sat quietly thinking.

The rent was paid, that was one problem solved, but plenty remained which meant one thing.

No matter how difficult Jason was, no matter how unbearable Pamela became, and no matter how much this job tested my patience, I wasn’t quitting yet. Not while Mom still needed me.

Determination settled firmly inside my chest as I looked down at Max.

The dog had already finished eating.

His tail wagged the moment he noticed me watching him.

I smiled. “Come on, buddy.”

He barked happily, and together, we left the kitchen to face another day inside the Wilberg mansion.