Chapter 2

I nodded. "Yes, I'll refund everyone's money, but let me be clear—once I do, I won't be providing meals or childcare anymore."

Looking after ten elementary school kids was exhausting. My day started at 5 AM with grocery shopping, then making breakfast for my daughter before school. By 9 AM, I was already preparing meals for over ten people. At 11:30, I'd walk to school to collect the kids. Even though the school was just down the street, managing ten energetic children was no easy task. After lunch, they'd all take their afternoon nap at my place. Once the dishes were done, I'd walk them back to school.

Unlike the school cafeteria with its full staff, I ran this service completely on my own. I'd always believed neighbors were like family. Knowing most parents worked full-time, I didn't mind the extra effort. Never did I imagine my kindness would be met with such ingratitude, eventually affecting my whole family.

When I finished speaking, the room went quiet. The parents exchanged uncertain glances.

Mrs. Thompson, one of the mothers, tried to smooth things over. “Emily, that's not fair. We just wanted to sort this out. You've agreed to the refund, so let's move past this. Just keep cooking for the kids at a lower price."

The nerve of her! They cause all this drama and still expect me to continue everything.

I shook my head firmly. "I'm sorry, but that's not possible anymore."

Mrs. Peterson erupted. "How ridiculous! Just because you can't overcharge anymore, you're abandoning the kids? You're completely uncivil!"

I folded my arms. "Yeah, I guess I am uncivil. What are you going to do about it? Call the authorities?"

Done with this thankless job, I pulled out my phone and started processing refunds to everyone's accounts.

After the last transfer, I stood up. "There's your money back. We're done here. Please leave—I won't be looking after your children anymore."

But nobody moved.

Mrs. Thompson's tone changed. “Emily, we trusted you with our children's meals. Despite everything, I think you deserve another chance. If I were you, I'd continue and do better. It's your opportunity to make things right."

One of the parents called out, "Yeah, who's going to feed our kids and pick them up from school if you quit?"

I smiled. "Your children's lunch arrangements aren't my concern anymore. I can't provide a nutritious meal for $2.50. If someone else claims they can, let them try."

My words reminded everyone that Mrs. Peterson had first mentioned the alternative lunch service.

Mrs. Thompson turned to her. "Mrs. Peterson, that new cafeteria downstairs isn't even open yet. How do you know it's $2.50 per meal?"

Caught off guard, Mrs. Peterson smirked. "Of course I know! My old friend from college is running it. I've already arranged everything for you all. $2.50 per child covers pickup, lunch, and snacks. They'll even supervise homework if you're running late."

Some parents looked worried. "That's so cheap—can the food really be safe?"

"Absolutely," Mrs. Peterson declared, puffing up her chest. "The food quality is guaranteed because I'm the head chef. We operate on volume rather than high margins. Word-of-mouth is everything. Unlike some unofficial setups without proper food handling certificates, we're fully licensed. Some places might look fancy, but who knows what really happens in their kitchen?"

She glanced at me smugly, as if she'd done everyone a favor.

Several parents seemed convinced and signed up immediately.

I shrugged.

I was curious to see what kind of meal they could possibly serve for $2.50.