Part 1: The Night I Opened the Door

than I’d thought. Tired, worn down, but not broken.

“I should go,” he said quietly, as if afraid of overstaying his welcome.

I packed him some food to take with him. As he stood by the door, he turned back, his eyes filling with tears he didn’t bother hiding.

“One day,” he said, his voice thick, “I’ll repay your kindness. I swear.”

I smiled, unsure of continue reading …