The next day I'm begging again in front of the church. I know it's not a solution to my problems, but if it puts food in Jeanne's belly–and for now, that's my priority–, I'm down for it. Maybe if my morning goes well and I get enough money to save the day, I can hunt for a job somewhere during the afternoon before I pick up Jeanne from school.

I packed last night's leftovers for my daughter's lunch today, and I'm out of ingredients for tonight. There's no milk for tomorrow's breakfast, and only two slices of bread survived Jeanne's hunger this morning.

I don't want to mention the bills, but those are piling up on my bedside table.

Many people are now coming out of the church, and I seize the chance. I approach them as they leave, asking for a coin, and I manage to get a few dollars from this crowd. That's when I see this old lady having trouble entering a cabbie. Even though she's using crutches, nobody seems to notice she needs help. They just pass by, indifferent to this lady in need. Are these really men of God?

I approach her myself; now angry at the same people I was grateful ten seconds ago.

"Excuse me, lady. Let me help you with that."

"I have no time for you, beggar!"

I have to admit it: that stung. But all right, I'm guilty as charged. I can't let her get under my skin. I've been helped enough to know how good it feels, even if this lady isn't exactly grateful for it. Carry on, Cynthia, carry on. Be the better person.

"I'm here to help." I say to her, and before she swats me away, I add. "Here, allow me to hold your crutches."

This is when the world starts rocking under my feet. My head feels heavy and my vision is becoming blurry, like it does when you're crouching for too long and you get up too fast, but I still manage to take her crutches and place them against the side of the car.

"Don't you think it will earn you a penny, you hear?" I ignore her rudeness, even managing a smile as I hold her hand and help her inside. But when I'm about to grab her crutches for her, black splotches fill my eyesight."That's enough, just pass me my crutches, already." She demands, and I really want to, but I can't see a thing and the world sways too much. Where are those crutches so I can...