CHAPTER 9. Ten seconds to let her go

Andrea hugged herself, trying to fend off the cold as she cried, feeling trapped between a rock and a hard place. Her heart was racing, her mind was confused about many things, but one thing was clear: she couldn't lose her daughter. She looked at Adriana, asleep in her bassinet on that mattress, and sobbed desperately, realizing there was no way out. She could report Trembley for harassment, but by the time the process was completed, she would already be fired and penniless. Additionally, it would go on her work record, making it very hard to find a new job where they wouldn’t fear a lawsuit.

With a trembling hand, she knocked on her neighbor’s door again.

"Mrs. Wilson... I know this is too much to ask, but I have an emergency at work. Please, could you take care of Adriana for a few more hours?"

Mrs. Wilson realized something was wrong, so she gladly stayed with the baby.

"I'm sorry you're going through a tough time, Andrea. Neither you nor thi