I felt something twist painfully inside my chest.
“Wait,” I called softly.
My husband had already stormed ahead, muttering about “lazy people” and “bad choices.” I lingered behind, pretending to check my bag. Quietly, I stepped toward her and slipped four crisp hundred-dollar bills into her trembling hand.
She looked up at me, startled.
“It’s not much,” I said gently. “Please eat something warm. And see a doctor if you can.”
Her lips parted, but no sound came out. She simply nodded once, tears filling her eyes, and walked away without another word.
At home, the storm broke.
“Are you out of your mind?” my husband shouted, pacing the kitchen. “That was for your medication! Your monthly prescription! Now what are you going to do—just skip it?”
I stayed quiet.
“You always act like you’re some kind of saint,” he continued. “We’re not rich!”
I knew he was right about one thing—the money had been set aside for my medication. Without it, I would have to wait another month. But the image of that girl’s hollow eyes wouldn’t leave me.
“I’ll figure it out,” I said softly.
He scoffed and slammed the bedroom door.