Elena’s POV
July hit like a freight train. The shelter had a waiting list longer than ever, funding talks stalled with the city, and I spent most mornings on the phone begging for another six months of operating cash. By noon, I was usually in the common room helping new arrivals fill out intake forms, pretending the numbers didn’t scare me.
Nadia called at lunch on a Tuesday.
“You free Saturday?” she asked.
“Depends. Is this a rescue mission or a social call?”
“Both. Vivian’s hosting a small thing for Elise’s half-birthday. She’s been planning it for weeks. Thomas is making that weird robot cake Elise likes. Julian’s parents are out of town. Marcus and Priya are coming. You in?”
I hesitated. “I’m not great company right now. Budget meeting tomorrow could go sideways.” “Then come any
