I nod because words escape me. I’m so touched by her sincerity and vulnerability. She didn’t have to put herself out there, but she could see I was struggling and decided to forge a connection.
“More specifically,” she continues, “if money is the reason you had to leave the city, I want to help. You are so close to your goal—your parents are always telling me about all your accomplishments. I have the means to get you back on track, and I’d like to do that.”
I list backward as though the power of her words has physically moved me. Shock doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel. Dumbfounded. Awestruck. Humbled.
“Elena, I don’t know what to say.”
“Just tell me how much—that’s the only thing you need to say.”
And it would be that easy. Her sincerity is plain in her loving green eyes. Bu
