I knew I couldn’t let Emily and her baby go without care. Kneeling beside her, I whispered, “I’m sorry. You both deserve comfort and love. Things will change.” She offered a small, trusting smile.

Upstairs, I confronted Samantha and Lily. “Why is Emily on an air mattress?” I asked. Samantha brushed it off. “Unacceptable,” I said. “She’s seven months pregnant and needs support.”

The talk was tense but needed. Samantha apologized, and we quickly made changes to ensure Emily and her baby were comfortable.

In the weeks that followed, Emily’s smiles returned, and our home grew warmer. As her due date neared, we prepared to welcome the baby into a household of care, respect, and love.