But most people choose gossip over remedy when it comes to our family.
And in a town that small, who would dare challenge Ray and his police buddy?
Yet this woman, a near stranger, has noticed me.
She’s done a double take.
She’s shown compassion.
So the tears on my cheek can’t be helped.
“You must be hungry,” she says.
Again, it’s not a question.
Now my tears flow freely.
An ugly snotty sob as I let my guard down at last.
“Hey, sweet boy,” she soothes.
Beth rests a hand on my shoulder with caution.
Not because she’s scared of me.
It’s because she knows that being touched hasn’t always felt safe.
Not for me.
“I’m sorry,” I tell her. “I didn't mean to steal your things.”
“And you didn't,” she says. “But I refuse to let you sleep outside, you hear me?”
Her tone is somehow both firm and kind.
Once again, all I can manage is a nod.
She leads me into the kitchen.
The restaurant is now dark.
The chefs have gone home, but as the manager she has keys for every door.
Including the fridge.
We sit at one of the tables, a bowl of pasta reheated and placed in front of me.
“I'm guessing that home isn't an option for you?”
My awkward seat shuffle confirms it.
“And you've hitched your way from who knows where?”
I’m too scared to tell her where ‘who knows where’ is.
“I think you're incredibly brave, kiddo.”
Brave?
