“Please sit,” Andrew said, gesturing toward the sofa while taking the seat across from her. “Did you bring references?”
“Yes.”
She pulled a folder from her bag and handed it to him.
Andrew scanned the documents. Three previous families. Positive recommendations. One letter mentioned that she had cared for two young children for nearly two years.
“Why did you leave this job?” Andrew asked. “Two years is a long time.”
“The family moved to Canada,” Grace explained. “They offered to take me with them, but I have responsibilities here.”
“What kind of responsibilities?”
For a brief moment she hesitated. Something flickered in her eyes—something heavy.
“My mother is ill,” she said quietly. “I take care of her.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Thank you.”
Silence settled between them for a moment.
Then Andrew continued.
“My son Noah is three years old. He lost his mother eight months ago. He’s… very quiet. Sometimes too quiet.”
Grace nodded gently.
“I understand.”
Andrew handed her a printed sheet.