Maya POV*
I woke up to the sound of Aisha's stomach growling. We hadn't eaten dinner the night before, and I knew she was hungry. I got out of bed and rummaged through our cupboards, searching for anything we could eat for breakfast. We had some stale bread and a bit of tea left. I made some tea and toasted the bread, hoping it would fill Aisha's stomach.
As we ate, Mother came into the kitchen, looking tired. She'd been working double shifts at the factory, trying to make ends meet. I knew she was exhausted, but she still managed to smile and encourage us.
"Good morning, girls," she said, kissing our foreheads. "I'll try to bring home some groceries tonight."
Aisha and I exchanged a glance. We knew our mother was struggling to make ends meet. The factory job didn't pay much, and we often went without meals or had to make do with whatever we could afford.
*Aisha's POV*
I hated seeing Mother struggle so much. She worked hard every day, but we still barely had enough to eat. I felt like I was a burden to her, like I was just another mouth to feed. Maya tried to reassure me, but I knew she was worried too.
As we walked to school, I saw other kids with their lunchboxes, eating sandwiches and fruits. I felt a pang of jealousy. Why couldn't we have that kind of life? Why did we have to struggle so much?
Maya put her arm around me, sensing my mood. "It's okay, Aisha. We'll get through this. Mother is doing her best."
I nodded, trying to be strong like Maya. But it was hard when poverty seemed to suffocate us.
*Fatima's POV*
As I worked at the factory, I couldn't help but think about my girls. They deserved better than this life of poverty and struggle. I wanted to give them everything, but it seemed like the more I worked, the further behind we fell.
I thought about my husband, who had passed away when the girls were young. He'd always dreamed of giving them a better life. I was trying to fulfill that dream, but it was hard.
As I worked, I made a mental list of the things we needed: food, clothes, school supplies. It seemed like an endless list. But I wouldn't give up. I'd keep fighting, keep working, for my girls.
When I finished my shift, I headed to the market, hoping to find some affordable groceries. As I walked, I felt a sense of determination. I would provide for my daughters, no matter what it took.
The struggle was real, but I wouldn't let it define us. I'd find a way to give them a better life