Then flashed: DECLINED.
She froze. Just for a moment.
“Sorry,” she said quickly, pulling the card out and trying again. “It’s… it’s probably just a mistake.”
Declined.
Her breathing changed. Subtle, but noticeable. She reached into her wallet, pulled out another card—older, edges worn—and tried that one too.
Declined.
The toddler let out a weak, uncomfortable whimper, shifting in her arms. She instinctively rocked him, pressing her cheek to his head. “It’s okay, baby,” she whispered, though her voice was already cracking.
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