Chapter 81 - The Stairwell
I climbed the brownstone stairs carrying groceries and had to stop halfway up to catch my breath. The bags weren't heavy. I was simply pregnant, tired, and unwilling to admit either fact until the third flight made the decision for me.
Mrs. Kaplan from the second floor appeared with a folded shopping cart. “Use the landing,” she said. “It's not going anywhere.”
She asked whether I needed help carrying the milk. I said yes.
The admission felt embarrassing for reasons I couldn't explain. Adrian had taught me to associate help with control, and I was still learning that those things weren't always the same.
Mrs. Kaplan set the bags inside my door and refused payment. She accepted half a loaf of fresh bread instead.
Later I told Elena about the exchange.
“See?” she said. “Community. No nondisclosure agreement.”
May you like
I laughed, then called the building manager to ask about a handrail that had been loose for months. He promised to inspect it.
A home didn't have to be luxurious to deserve care.
