You gave me kindness when you had nothing left. You saw me as a person. That's why I wanted to see you safe, too.
You don't owe me anything. Just promise me you'll be as good to yourself as you were to me. Women look out for women, especially when nobody else will.
Be brave. Be kind. And always remember: what you did mattered.
P.S. I love the name Will for a boy. Mabel for a girl.
With love,
Mrs. Higgins."
"And always remember: what you did mattered."
I let out a sob, sharp and grateful. Holt squeezed my shoulder.
For the first time in months, the world didn’t feel quite so empty.
No one spoke.
I pressed a hand to my belly. "We're staying, baby," I whispered to my daughter.
Holt walked me back up to my house, setting the envelope on the table. "If you need anything, call the station. Ask for me."
Nobody said a word.
***
Around noon, my phone lit up with Lee's name.
Maybe someone on the street had already told him about the sheriff's cars. Maybe he thought I needed him now.
I let it ring.
For once, not answering didn't feel lonely. It felt like peace.
***
The day dragged by in a blur, calls from the bank, paperwork from Sheriff Holt, and neighbors slowing near my porch like they finally knew my name.
Ms. Pearson from across the street gave me a small nod, awkward but real.
By sunset, I sat on the steps with Mrs. Higgins' letter in my lap, feeling like the whole street had shifted around me.
I let it ring.
***
When the porch was quiet again, I laid out the deed and Mrs. Higgins' note on my lap. My daughter kicked, and I rested my hand over her.
"Thank you, Mrs. Higgins," I whispered into the dusk. "I'll pay it forward. I promise."
A warm breeze stirred the leaves overhead. I smiled through my tears and looked down at my belly.
"We made it,," I whispered. "We're home, baby girl. And I know your name now."
Mabel.
"I'll pay it forward. I promise."
