She had a kind face but came from a poor family, I had heard. A girl who might understand what it meant to feel invisible.
« He deserves one perfect night, » I whispered to the empty kitchen. « Just one. »
I tucked the photo into my pocket and reached for my phone, certain in that moment that love was the only thing guiding my hand.
The morning after I decided, I stared at my phone for almost an hour before I typed the message. Ella’s profile photo looked back at me — all soft smile and tired eyes.
I told myself I was helping two kids at once.
« Hi Ella, this is Jeremiah’s mom. I know this is unusual, but I have a proposal for you. Could we talk privately? »
She replied faster than I expected.
« Um, sure. Is everything okay? »
I explained it as carefully as I could. One night. A kind gesture. A check that would cover her family’s rent for a while.
There was a long pause. Then a shorter one.
