The payment notification came just after nine. A string of four emails—each confirming a cleared invoice. Dodo stared at her phone and let out a long sigh. Relief didn’t come as joy—it came as pressure slipping off her shoulders like a heavy coat.
She did the math immediately. Rent. Electricity. Data. Groceries. Transport.
And Henry.
She opened his bedroom door without knocking. “We’re going shopping.”
Henry blinked up from his game. “For what?”
“Carvellas.”
He sat up so quickly his controller hit the floor.
Within the hour, they were in Gateway, Henry walking tall, even Portia bouncing with energy beside him. Dodo carried her handbag tightly tucked under her arm, her mind racing with deadlines and invoices still to chase. But she watched her children—really watched—and for the firs
