I made a second pile for the shelter where Nadine volunteered.

There were sheets we had been keeping for a guest room nobody used and several blankets too heavy for the closet.

I washed and packed them, then drove them to the drop-off center on my way to the grocery store.

The volunteer at the counter was a young man with paint on his hands.

He thanked me and asked whether I’d consider volunteering at a fundraising fair the following month.

I almost declined because the request felt unfamiliar.