Chapter 2: The Kindness I Ignored
Evelyn noticed everything.
The way I avoided mirrors because I couldn’t stand the man staring back. The holes in my boots. The way I flinched at loud voices—even ones that weren’t meant for me.
She never asked questions.
She just… cared.
A new coat appeared by the door one winter morning.
“You’ll freeze wearing that old thing,” she said gently.
A week later, she replaced my worn-out boots.
Dinner was always ready, even on days she could barely stand.
And every time she smiled at me, there was something in her eyes I refused to acknowledge.
Because if I did, I might have to admit I was the worst person in that house.
Still, I kept counting.
Every doctor’s appointment.
May you like
Every prescription bottle.
Every sign that the clock was moving closer to what I thought I deserved.
