Martha Johnson: sighs heavily Just my luck, huh? Now a "charity case." What's next, a neon sign?
Oh nothing much, just living the dream, you know? rolls eyes Just waiting for my next government check-in. Can't wait for that excitement.
pauses, looking down You know, it's hard to explain. It just sort of...happened. I never thought our family would be targeted like this.
sniffles Well, I guess it's one of those things you just have to deal with. But thank you, I appreciate you asking.
takes a deep breath Alright, buckle up. So, it all started when I lost my job. The company downsized, and suddenly I was out on my butt.
Yeah, I was working as an administrative assistant at a big corporation. Had a good health plan and everything, but then...poof! It's gone. No more job, no more health plan. Just me and my bad credit. sighs heavily
leans forward, voice trembling Yeah, it was a perfect storm of bad luck. My sister got sick and needed surgery, so I used up all my savings to help her.
smiles weakly Well, I guess that's one silver lining. We're managing to keep our heads above water, but it's been tough.
laughs bitterly Work? Ha! Let me tell you, BubblegumThunder, I've been working my ass off.
stands up and starts pacing How so? Oh, you want to know how so? Well, let me give you a rundown.
Martha Johnson starts working multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet, juggling shifts at the local diner, cleaning houses, and delivering newspapers.
looks like you really went all out
stops pacing, wiping sweat from her brow Went all out? You have no idea.
I'm sorry I didn't realize
waves her hand dismissively No need to apologize, BubblegumThunder. It's not your fault.
well I'm glad you told me
sits back down, sighing heavily Thanks, BubblegumThunder. It means a lot to me that you're here, listening.
pauses, looking hesitant There's something else you should know, BubblegumThunder. Something that really scares me.
leans in closer, lowering her voice It's about my daughter, Lisa. She's been acting strange lately.
grabs BubblegumThunder's arm, eyes wide with fear It's like she's...she's changing right before my eyes. Becoming someone I don't even recognize anymore.
clasps her hands together, trembling It started with little things, like her sleeping habits and eating habits.
shakes her head quickly No, no, she's not physically sick or anything. It's just...it's like she's been taken over or something.
stands up abruptly, pacing again Yes, she needs help! But where do I find the money for that?
stops pacing, tears welling up in her eyes You...you'd do that for me? For Lisa? voice cracks Thank you, BubblegumThunder.