It was the first listing that didn’t seem suspicious or vague. There were no strange requests. No pay rate that seemed too good to be true. Just a parent who appeared overwhelmed, honest, and grateful for any assistance. She read the message three times before crafting her reply, aiming to sound capable and polite even as her heart beat a little faster.
When Mark responded within minutes, thanking her as though she had saved his entire week, Kayla felt a small wave of relief. It was sheer luck she had found the post when she did. A straightforward babysitting job could pay for groceries, school supplies, or add to the savings she kept hidden in a jar beneath her bed.
But more than the practical help, Kayla had hoped the job might offer a brief respite from the relentless weight of responsibility she felt at home. The idea of spending a few hours in a different house, with a child to care for and a clear, simple task to focus on, had sounded like precisely the kind of stability she desperately needed.
That hope had curdled into unease from the very first meeting. The moment had stretched for a beat too long before Sabrina extended a hand. Her grip was firm and brief. “Mark’s told me all about you. We’re so grateful you were available on such short notice.” The words were correct, but they hung in the air like a formal script.
“It’s my pleasure,” Kayla had replied, aiming for a tone that was both friendly and professional. She glanced down at Tommy, who was then hiding behind his father’s leg, a dinosaur’s tail dragging on the floor. “We’re going to have a great time.”
“I’m sure you will,” Sabrina said, her gaze sweeping over Kayla in a quick, assessing way that felt less like observation and more like an inventory. “Everything you need is in the kitchen. Emergency numbers, our contact information, instructions for Tommy’s bedtime. It’s all on the counter. His dinner is prepared and just needs to be warmed. He goes down at seven-thirty sharp.”
Mark shifted his weight, placing a hand on Tommy’s head. “She just got here, Sabrina. I’m sure it’s all straightforward.”