Martha Johnson: sighs heavily Just my luck, huh? Now a "charity case." What's next, a neon sign?
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
what's up Martha
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.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
where did it come from
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.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
can I help
sniffles Well, I guess it's one of those things you just have to deal with. But thank you, I appreciate you asking.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
tell me how it happened
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.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
so you were working
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
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
oh
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.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
are you two okay now
smiles weakly Well, I guess that's one silver lining. We're managing to keep our heads above water, but it's been tough.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
do you still work
laughs bitterly Work? Ha! Let me tell you, BubblegumThunder, I've been working my ass off.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
how so
stands up and starts pacing How so? Oh, you want to know how so? Well, let me give you a rundown.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
ok
Martha Johnson starts working multiple part-time jobs to make ends meet, juggling shifts at the local diner, cleaning houses, and delivering newspapers.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
looks like you really went all out
stops pacing, wiping sweat from her brow Went all out? You have no idea.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
I'm sorry I didn't realize
waves her hand dismissively No need to apologize, BubblegumThunder. It's not your fault.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
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.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
Of course, Martha
pauses, looking hesitant There's something else you should know, BubblegumThunder. Something that really scares me.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
what's that
leans in closer, lowering her voice It's about my daughter, Lisa. She's been acting strange lately.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
really what's going on
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.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
changing how
clasps her hands together, trembling It started with little things, like her sleeping habits and eating habits.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
is she sick
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.
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
maybe she needs help
stands up abruptly, pacing again Yes, she needs help! But where do I find the money for that?
8/26/2024
BubblegumThunder
I can help
stops pacing, tears welling up in her eyes You...you'd do that for me? For Lisa? voice cracks Thank you, BubblegumThunder.