And I’ll keep showing up.”

That night she did not go home with me immediately.

There were checks, interviews, and decisions that couldn’t be made by a grandfather’s wishes alone.

I spent hours in a waiting room with Miriam, drinking bad coffee and answering questions about my house, health, schedule, and family connections.

Denise offered to cover the market indefinitely if needed.

A neighbor confirmed that I’d lived on the same street for decades.

My life, which had seemed boring that morning, was suddenly being examined as a possible home for a frightened child.