CHAPTER TWO HUNDRED AND EIGHTY FOUR – THE DOWNTURN

Over the next few days, Charlotte had a steady stream of visitors. Linda, Tony, and Rony from The Rusty Anchor came by, bringing flowers and words of encouragement. "We've set up a collection at the pub to help with your medical bills," Linda explained, squeezing Charlotte's hand. Charlotte felt tears welling up in her eyes. "You didn't have to do that." Tony grunted. "Course we did. You're one of us, even if you don't work there anymore." Despite their kindness, Charlotte found herself slipping into a deep depression. The accident had shaken her more than she wanted to admit. When she was finally discharged, she retreated to her small apartment, isolating herself from the world. Days blurred together. Charlotte barely ate, barely slept. The only time she left her apartment was to buy alcohol, numbing herself to the pain and fear that threatened to overwhelm her. One afternoon, a knock on her door startled her out of her daze. It was her landlord, Mr. Jenkins. "Miss Emerson," he