It was not simple, but it was real.

When Natalie heard about the damage, she offered to send her family’s contractor.

I thanked her and declined for the moment.

The choice surprised her.

“It’s not because I don’t appreciate it,” I explained.

“It’s because I spent a lifetime being told that people with more money get to decide what happens next.

I need to make this decision myself.”

She paused and said she understood.