She was hesitating even though she had been told not to. Rose summoned up her courage. It felt like it was lying down in her feet, the effort was so great, and that was only because the alternative answer she desperately dreaded would devastate her. But she punched in the numbers printed on the card and prayed.
“Hello,” Abby said into her phone.
“Hi, Abby, it’s Rose. Remember me?” She half expected Abby had forgotten her.
“Rose! Where have you been? I’ve been so worried about you,” came the words in a rush. “Are you okay?”
Rose“I’m fine. More than fine. I’m off the street.”
“Really? That’s wonderful!”
“I’m in transitional housing after being at the shelter,” she explained. “I haven’t been on the street for probably six months or so. I even have a job.”
“A job? Wow, blow me over. I a
