Page 80 of When a Soul Cries

I didn’t.

I had no idea she was behind on rent or scared of getting evicted. If I had known, I would’ve helped her without thinking twice.

I kept quiet because I was still protecting myself.

I had spent too long wondering if the next phone call, strange car, or knock at the door was connected to that money. Even after I moved, I needed to know the past had really stayed behind me.

And once the money started growing, silence became a habit.

I didn’t want anybody looking at me differently.

I didn’t want people asking questions.

I didn’t want anybody knowing what I had.

So I kept working my part-time job. Kept driving the same car. Kept living like I was still counting every dollar, even when I didn’t have to anymore.

The money stayed hidden.

My life stayed ordinary.

That was the safest way to keep it.

But now, staring at that eviction notice, I couldn’t stop thinking about how different things might’ve been if I had known.

Not because I should’ve magically guessed.

Because Sol should’ve trusted me enough to tell me.

And maybe I should’ve made it easier for her to know she could.

“Why you looking like that?”

Sol’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I blinked. “Like what?”

“Like you’re thinking too hard.”

“I’m always thinking.”

“No, you’re not.”

My head snapped toward her.

She smiled a little.

I stared at her.

“You know what? I liked you better when you was crying.”

Her mouth dropped open.

I immediately pointed at her. “See? Now you got enough energy to be offended. You’re welcome.”

A laugh slipped out of her.

Small.