Mrs. Cox was just as surprised to see her. “Aren’t you up early, sweetie? Having trouble sleeping?”

“I just got up. I am feeling a little thirsty.”

“Well, let me get you a glass of warm water. Wait here by the door,” said the kind woman, pouring a glass for her before setting her sight on the pouring rain outside. “Damn, it’s raining again.” She sighed. “The roads are going to be wet and slippery. Straight up a hazard to use.”

Deirdre took a sip. “You should stay at home today, Mrs. Cox. You might get hurt if you go out despite the condition. I’ve got 90 bucks you could us—”

“Oh no. Heck, no. You can’t see well, it’s not easy for you to get a job, and you can’t afford not to have money with you. You can’t buy anything if you don’t have money!” Mrs. Cox protested. “All you’ve been wearing these days are my old clothes. It doesn’t matter if you’re the goddess of beauty herself. These rags are bringing your shine down, sweetie. No, you should go to the market with Hoyt and buy at leas