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and Saff were both already complaining loudly about their rubbish days, really gearing up for an argument with Mum about how they weren’t going back. But they fell silent when we saw the state of her. She was sitting in front of a cold cup of tea, just staring into space, her eyes red from crying, looking utterly defeated.
    I rushed over and put my arms around her, but she didn’t hug me back.
    â€œMum, what’s the matter?” asked Saff.
    Grace just looked really anxious.
    Mum smiled tensely. “Oh, I’m sorry to worry you all. Nothing awful’s happened. I’m just feeling really down, that’s all. I’ve had a horrible day. No one needs a yoga teacher – in fact, everyone round here seems to
be
one. I tried six places and everyone was really nice…but they all had more than enough staff. It was the same story with the beauty and spa places I found. So then I tried to get any job, literally anything – I asked all round town, and here in the parade. The lady in the chip shop said that a month ago they were taking on summer staff, but they’ve recruited everyone they need now. I guess it’s the same everywhere else.”
    â€œJust as well – you don’t want to work in a
chip shop
!” Saff gasped. “All that grease!”
    â€œSurely you must be able to get an office job,” Grace insisted. She adjusted her glasses and peered at Mum as if
she
was interviewing her. “You’ve got skills, of course—”
    â€œNot really,” said Mum. “I’m not
qualified
in anything officey. And don’t be such a snob, Saff. I’d be happy to work in a chip shop, or
any
shop, or hotel or restaurant. On summer job wages I’d have to do double shifts though, what with three daughters to support. I’ve left my contact details with them all in case they lose someone, so hopefully I’ll hear something soon. It’s tough times – even very experienced people are queuing up for any vacancy that comes along.”
    â€œWell, they’re welcome to it!” Saff snorted.
    â€œI can’t believe this,” said Grace imperiously. “My mother is actually
hoping
to get a job as a chambermaid.”
    That’s when I really lost it, with both of them.
    â€œAt least Mum’s trying!” I snapped. “All you two have done is moan! Face it – our old life is gone. No Amex, no singing lessons, no trips to town, no posh schools, no new clothes. All that is gone. This is
it
now, got it?”
    They all stared at me, stunned. Even Mum. I’d surprised myself too – hearing it out loud like that, well, I think it’s the first time our situation properly began to sink into
my
head too.
    â€œSorry, Mum,” Grace mumbled. “I didn’t mean to sound…you know…”
    â€œNor did I,” said Saff. “This has all been such a shock, that’s all.” She sighed. “Look, the courses on offer weren’t exactly inspiring, so how about I get a job straight away instead? There’s a cake factory at the edge of town that’s looking for shift workers – I saw an ad on the college notice board. You can’t need any special experience for that, surely? And if we asked for the same hours, we could get the bus together.”
    I smiled. Saff could be a nightmare sometimes, but when the chips (or chip shops!) were down, she’d do anything for our family.
    I thought Mum would be pleased, too, but instead she looked furious. “Over my dead body!” she told Saff. “You are
not
missing out on your education because of what’s happened. I’m just not having it. I’ll find a job soon, it was only day one today. And our benefits will come through in a couple of weeks to keep us going if it takes longer. We’ll manage, okay, hon? Somehow we’ll survive.”
    Everyone was silent for what felt like ages. Then Saff said, “Well,