While navigating the complex government assistance system, Alex wrangles with Sean over Maddy's care and tackles a cleaning job that nearly breaks her.

Cleaning Regina's gorgeous house on Thanksgiving, Alex imagines what it would be like to live in such luxury before taking the fantasy a step further.

A job cleaning out the childhood home of a notorious local thief triggers memories for Alex, who also discovers what's causing Maddy's worrying cough.

Determined to send Maddy to a better preschool, Alex desperately searches for a new place to live, a process complicated by her government benefits.

Alex writes about her clients, including a couple living separate lives, as she juggles her tricky housing situation and Paula's fragile mental state.

Amid a crushing series of setbacks, Alex explores the possibility of college while dealing with Paula's health crisis and offering Regina a helping hand.

Back at square one, Alex reaches out for a safe harbor and legal lifeline, realizing how much of herself she's lost along the way.

Gaining strength and support from a creative writing therapy group, Alex fights for her future by facing off with Sean over custody of Maddy.