I nearly dialed 911 on the tattooed teenager holding a screaming baby inside an empty 1 AM laundromat. Then his bag tore open, and my stomach sank with utter shame.

of fool lets the person who dropped the bricks come help with the roof?”

I smiled sadly.

“A tired one.”

He laughed despite himself.

Then he looked at me.

“What do you think?”

“I think you should let her help a little.”

He looked wounded.

“I knew you’d say that.”

“No, you hoped I wouldn’t.”

He leaned forward, elbows on knees.

“I’m scared she’ll become necessary.continue reading …