Girl Get Rid Of That Jerk by Melissa Johns

Inside the envelope was a thick stack of cash-crisp dollar bills, neatly bundled.

"Alice, thank you for taking such good care of Lizzy these past few weeks. I know Mr. Fisher already paid you for your work, but what he paid is his business. This is just a little something from our family, to show our gratitude. Please, don't turn us down."

Alice could feel their sincerity, so she accepted the gift with a grateful smile.

That evening, Linda cooked a whole table of Allison's favorite dishes-creamy mashed potatoes, roast chicken, apple pie, and a fresh salad. It was the kind of home-cooked spread that made you feel truly cared for.

Lizzy was finally healthy again, and Allison had just come home from the hospital. For the Owens family, it felt like everything was finally falling back into place.

They all sat around the dinner table, laughing and talking together. The room was filled with warmth and happiness-a scene they hadn't shared in ages.

...

The next afternoon, after Dr. Alice left, Allison stayed home with Lizzy. The two of them curled up on the couch, watching cartoons.

Suddenly, a video call from Watson popped up on Allison's phone.

She hesitated. Watson never called her on video-if something was important, he'd call, but for everyday stuff, he always just texted. This was definitely new.

she accepted

the screen-Watson's little cousin, with her hair in two neat pigtails and the pink Prada

Julia's voice was soft and sweet, like she

help but grin.

and figured out how to start a video

heard Julia's voice and immediately scooted closer, her fluffy head

giggled, waving

her round, chubby-cheeked face filling the

when are you coming over to play again?" Lizzy asked, her voice

Julia replied, just as excited. "I'll ask

mom to make something

teddy bear

her to make them for you tomorrow,"

little girls

giggling and

phone

with Julia

minutes later, the face on the screen changed-Watson had reclaimed