“I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to continue working with your family.

Thank you for the opportunity.” My chest tightened as I read the words

again, trying to make sense of them. Megan had been great, just like the

others—kind, responsible, and so enthusiastic when I’d interviewed her.

What had changed in just a day? I leaned against the counter, staring blankly

at the message. A faint clatter from the living room snapped me back to reality.

Lily was busy with her toy, her little brow furrowed in concentration,

while Max toddled around, laughing at his own tiny steps. They were fine,

happy, even. So why did every babysitter leave after just a day or two?

I deleted Megan’s message and glanced at the clock. Julie would be here soon

for our usual coffee catch-up. Maybe talking to her would help me make sense

of this mess. As I tidied up the kitchen, I couldn’t shake the nagging thought

creeping into my mind. Was I doing something wrong? Was it the kids?

Or was there something I just wasn’t seeing? When Julie arrived,

I greeted her with a hug, trying to hide my frustration with a smile.

But as soon as we sat down with our coffees, it all came spilling out