I needed answers. »I’m glad you came, » he said calmly, pulling out the chair across from me.
« I almost didn’t. That note didn’t exactly feel… friendly. »
The man paused, looking confused. I handed the note back to him, and he read it, his face turning into a frown.
« Ahh… I see that now. My name is Clarence. »
I also introduced myself.
« I owe you an explanation. That woman from yesterday is my mother. Dana. »
« I figured you knew her, » I said carefully. « You were watching. »
« I was, » Clarence admitted. « I always am when she comes here. »
« I’m glad you came. »He took a breath before continuing.
« My mother has Parkinson’s and dementia. Some days are clearer than others, but this day, every year, on her anniversary, she leaves the house early, believing my father is still alive and meeting her here. »
« And you just… let her go? » I asked.
« I follow at a distance. Close enough to keep her safe, but far enough not to interfere. »
I sat back, processing.
« She leaves the house early. »
« Yesterday, I was there before she arrived. I watched everything, including when you walked over. I thought you’d interrupted something private, something she needed, hence the note. I’m not good with… wording. It came out wrong. »
His eyes met mine.
« I’d planned to explain things to you so you wouldn’t interfere next time. But when I arrived home later, my mother couldn’t stop talking about you. »
That caught me off guard.
« She said my dad had been late. But someone kind had stayed, listened, and helped her eat. She hasn’t spoken with that much joy in a long time. »
The tension in my chest eased just a little.
« It came out wrong. »
« I’m sorry, » Clarence said, sounding genuine.
A small silence settled between us.
« I’m glad she was happy, » I said.
« She is, » he replied. « Still can’t stop talking about you. »
I shook my head.
« I didn’t do anything special. »
« You did. You stayed and helped. Most people don’t. »
For a moment, neither of us spoke.
« I didn’t do anything special. »
Then Clarence cleared his throat.
« After seeing the happiness you brought my mother, I decided I needed to thank you properly. Is there anything I can do for you? »
I hesitated.
Part of me wanted to brush it off. The other part… didn’t have that luxury.
« I’m actually looking for a job. I had an interview yesterday. Missed it while I was sitting with your mom. »
His expression sharpened.
« Is that why your phone kept buzzing? »
« Yeah. It was the hiring manager, » I said. « They moved on to someone else. »
« I see. »
Part of me wanted to brush it off.
I sighed.
« I’m going to get evicted if I can’t figure something out soon. So… if you hear of anything. Entry-level outreach, community roles… anything like that. »
« Give me your details, » Clarence said.
I did as he asked and even sent him my resume.
« I’ll be in touch if something comes up, Helen. »
« Thank you. »
We stood and shook hands.
As I walked out, I felt… lighter.
« I’m going to get evicted. »
Still, by the time I got home, reality settled back in.
I spent the rest of the day applying for anything I could find.
Outreach. Admin. Retail. It didn’t matter anymore.
I just needed something.
Two days later, my phone rang from an unknown number.
« Hello? »
« Helen, it’s Clarence. »
I sat up straighter.
Reality settled back in. »Hi. »
« Can you meet me today? » Clarence asked. « Same café. Two p.m.? I have something important to discuss. »
My pulse quickened.
« Okay. I’ll be there. »
Clarence was already seated when I arrived.
Same unreadable expression.
I joined him and asked, « What’s going on? »
« I know exactly who you are, » he said.
My face scrunched up with worry.
« Okay. I’ll be there. »
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« What do you mean? »
« I’m the Chief Executive Officer of the firm you were supposed to interview with. »
The words didn’t register at first. When they did, everything in me went still.
