Finally, her turn at the mall came to an end. She was exhausted and she couldn’t wait to go back home and cuddle with her baby girl. She started the engine and quickly made her way to her little apartment. She lived in a little condo, situated on the corner of Madison Ave and 65th street, in Manhattan. It was the only thing she could afford at the moment. She would’ve liked to give her daughter the world, but right now, it wasn’t possible. Sometimes the kid noticed when she was feeling down, and she always tried to make her mother feel better. She never asked her to buy her something. Kids of today are too spoiled and pretentious. Her little one was not like that. “Mommy, it’s okay. Don’t worry. What that matters is the fact that we are here, together”. She would say, every time the mother said she was sorry she couldn’t be much as a mother and she couldn’t – unlike other parents – buy her the popular toy of the current year.

            “I’m home!” she yelled, opening the door.

            “Mom!” she ran forward her and hugged her.  

            “How’s your day been, boo?”

            “It’s been okay, Maggie and I played chess. I won!”

            “Did you? My little girl, you’re so smart”

            “She really is!” Maggie said smiling and approaching her.

Maggie was a cute old woman, she lived next door. Sometimes she asked her the favor to babysit Angie, since she couldn’t afford a real babysitter. She was always happy to do it. This woman was like a mother to her, and Tina was like a daughter to her. She really loved each other. This was the only closest person in her life. She saw her in the worst days of her life after the divorce and she’d always been there for her. Comforting her.

            “Hi, Maggie. Thanks so much for looking after Angie, I know I’ve been asking for help too often, lately, but the mall at Christmas time, in New York, is a nightmare”

            “Oh, don’t worry Tina, you know I love this little angel and I am happy to help. I have made some lasagna, it’s still warm. Please honey, eat and then go to bed. I can see by looking into your eyes that you’re very tired and you need some good rest.”