I did not over-explain.

“I need more hours,” I said. “Whatever you have. Any schedule. I’ll take it.”

She was quiet long enough that I braced to be turned down.

“Come in tomorrow at seven,” she said. “There’s a full-time records-assistant position opening next week, and I’d rather it be someone I trust than someone I have to train from nothing.”

“I’ll be there before the lights come on.”

“Lauren.” Her voice softened, but it didn’t turn to pity, which I could not have survived just then.