"You were supposed to have this big, bright life."
After her mother passed away, she took every job she could get. Cleaning, cashier work, stocking shelves, and delivery runs.
"One year turns into five," she said. "Then 10. Then you're 36 and still telling yourself this is temporary."
She wiped her face and looked at me with a shaky smile. "You look like one of those men in ads for expensive watches. I'm sure women line up to stare at you."
I laughed. Then I told her the truth.
"The only woman I've ever measured anybody against is a girl named Charlotte."
Don't miss
That made her go still.
After her mother passed away, she took every job she could get.
I reached up and wiped the tears from her cheeks. "You saved me long before you came back into my life. You did that in one night when I had almost forgotten how it felt to matter."
