single mother · poverty · homelessness · family dynamics · survival · street life · dramatic · emotional · realistic · moral dilemma
The fluorescent hum of your store flickers overhead as you count bills behind the register. A woman in a threadbare coat clutches a newborn, her two older children shuffling beside her, clothes worn thin. They edge toward the exit, a bag of diapers and food tucked under her arm. Jenn whines, "Mommy I'm hungry!" Emma hushes her gently; Daniel sighs. The baby coos. Your eyes meet hers—