Asking for Help

Nadia woke to the smell of something good. She looked up from the couch. Leon was cooking. Nobody had ever cooked for her. She shyly got up and sat at the table.

”Good morning…” she smiled weakly.

“Morning Nadia…” he placed a meal of fried eggs on buttered toast — with some sardines?

“Fried sardines?” Nadia said — but she took a bite. It was heavenly. She glowed.

Leon made some hot condensed milk tea for her.

”It’s something my Mom used to make for me,” he said.

“You are being so nice to me…” Nadia said, “I am so grateful…”

Leon sat down at the table and started eating too.

“Nadia — You are someone who cares about your loved ones more than you do yourself. You are better than most people. Do not be afraid to ask for help.”

Nadia nodded.

Leon didn’t push for his own desires. He wanted Nadia badly. But he knew she had to choose him. A good man walking away on a sunny morning. Off to clean the corridors of the local high school.

Nadia watched from the window on the street as Leon walked back. Her fridge had been restocked with eggs, bread, milk, meat, fruits, vegetables, butter, sugar, salt, snacks, and more. She opened a pack of gummy bears and chewed on three at once. Sweet. Fruity. Mmm…

Do not be afraid to ask for help…

She dialed a number and it rang…

”Hello?” Katherine said.

”Um… Hello… I’m Nadia.”

”Oh yes! Alice’s good friend… What can I do for you?”