My mother shifted her attention to Eva this time, her curiosity clearly piqued. “So, sweetheart, what do you and your brother do?”
Eva let out a tired sigh. “My brother’s looking for a job. As for me… I don’t feel ready to work just yet. Everything changed when our dad’s business collapsed. It’s been really hard for me emotionally. I probably need therapy… but we can’t afford it.”
“That’s truly unfortunate,” Mom said with genuine sympathy. “But life goes on, dear. You know, working can be therapeutic too. Just look at Amber—she’s standing strong on her own two feet.”
“Amber had to grow up faster than me,” Eva admitted, her voice softening. “She lost her mom at a very young age. And when her dad married a much younger woman, it really affected her emotionally. But somehow, she still mana
