Rent was due.

My employer at the dental office advanced part of my next paycheck.

The hospital financial counselor helped me apply for an assistance program.

Sarah connected me with a local victim-services coordinator who explained that some expenses might later qualify for reimbursement depending on the criminal case.

Nobody handed me a miracle check.

Several small systems kept us afloat.

That felt more believable than rescue.

Because it was.

PART 27 — DAD’S SECRET CHECK

Arthur found me outside a diner.