CHAPTER TEN

I hear the door open as Charlotte walks inside her guestroom. When I ran away from the house, I thought about crying outside, but I couldn’t bear the shame of someone seeing me cry so I ran to Charlotte ’s house. She sets the tray in her hand on the bedside table and takes a seat beside me. I don’t think I’ve moved since I laid down, crying. I finally stopped when my body had no more tears to give.

“How are you feeling?” she asks, concerned.

“Better. Thank you.”

“That’s good. Why are you thanking me?”

“It’s been hours since I came to your door crying like a baby, and you haven’t asked me why. Thank you for not pushing me to tell you what’s wrong. And for letting me to cry my heart out in your guestroom.” I arrived around noon and if my guess is right, it should be dark outside now. I can’t really tell because the blinds are down.

“Sometimes it’s better to let people come to you with their problems than forcing them to tell you. Even if you want to know so you can help.”

“Is it o