The school bus driver noticed a little girl crying every morning

Then she broke.

Between quiet sobs, the story came out.

Her mom worked double shifts at a diner, trying to keep the lights on. Money was tight. Real tight. Rent had gone up to $1,200 a month, and they were already behind. Stress filled their small apartment like thick smoke.

Her mom had a boyfriend.

When he first moved in, he brought groceries and paid a couple of bills. Things seemed easier.