From the pavement, I reported what I could smell and gave our address.

I was told to stay out and wait for the response.

I called Ruth next.

“I’m outside,” I said before she could ask.

“Good. Stay there.”

Rain gathered at the ends of my hair.

I looked at the dark windows and tried to accept that I was no longer deciding whether the problem was serious enough to deserve someone else’s attention.

I had already asked for help.