Page 70 of Home With You

"The shelter? Why?"

"Because..." I pause. "Because there's other addicts there. Last time I stayed at one, this girl tried to give me pills and I—I almost did it. I almost took them. I thought I was stronger than that but when she put them in front of me, I almost couldn't say no."

"When did this happen?"

"Six months ago when I left the—I mean, when I was first homeless. I found this shelter and didn't even last one night there. After I turned down the drugs, there was this other girl who tried to start a fight with me. She wanted my sweatshirt and when I wouldn't give it to her, she punched me. I got out of there and never went back." I turn to face him. "I'm not going back there and neither is Gladys."

"They're not going to bother Gladys. Nobody's going to beat up an old lady."

"They would if they wanted something of hers and she didn't give it to them. You don't know what it's like, Miles. I didn't either until I was there and saw what was going on."

"I'm sure they're not all like that."

"Maybe not, but I still don't want Gladys there. She'll be okay here. She's been living out here for years and made it this long."

"But she's older now, and she's sick."

"I thought you were trying to make me feel better."

"I am, but I also want to be realistic. And I know she'd be better off in a place that's warm." He takes my hand and looks into my eyes. "Let me keep working on this. I'll see what I can do."

"But what could you do? The shelter's the only option."

"She could stay with me. You both could."

"We can't do that. Your apartment is small and only has one bedroom. And it wouldn't be right for us to stay with you."

"Just think about it, okay? Talk to Gladys. I know you guys like your independence but there comes a point when you have to accept some help."

Just then, a minivan drives up and parks on the street right next to the alley. It's Zoe's van, which is surprising because it's Saturday. She doesn't work on Saturdays. Maybe someone called in sick.

She gets out of the van, but instead of going to the coffee shop, she comes down the alley, walking really fast.

"Raine." She comes up to me and gives me a hug. "I just heard the news."

"What news?"

"About Gladys. Miles called me."

"You did?" I ask, looking at Miles.

"I thought she should know," he says.

"Thank you for telling me." Zoe turns to him, her keys still in her hand. "Gladys is such a special lady. I'd be devastated if something happened to her."

Zoe and Gladys have been friends for years. Gladys said she even goes to Zoe's house for Christmas. I didn't even think about calling Zoe but I should have. I don't have a phone but I could've used the one at the coffee shop.

"Where is she?" Zoe asks.

"In the tent," I tell her. "But she's sleeping."

"She can't be out in this cold. I need to take her home with me." She walks over to the tent.

I race over to her before she unzips it. "Wait. You're taking Gladys?"

"I can't let her stay out here."

"She's been staying out here for years."

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