But before he could say anything, the door opened again and a woman walked in.
Marissa, she looked almost exactly the same as Elena remembered. Stylish, confident, put together. She wore a beautiful coat.
Her hair was perfectly styled and she carried an expensive purse. But her eyes were kind and when they landed on Elena in the corner, they filled with tears.
“Elena,” Marissa whispered, rushing over to the table. Elena stood up, and before she could say anything, Marissa wrapped her in a tight hug.
It had been so long since anyone had hugged Elena that she almost forgot how it felt.
She closed her eyes and let herself be held for just a moment. I can’t believe it’s really you, Marissa said, pulling back to look at Elena’s face.
I’ve missed you so much. I was so worried. I’m sorry, Elena said again. I’m sorry I disappeared on you.
Stop apologizing, Marissa said firmly. She turned to the young man behind the counter. Two large coffees, please.
And two of those blueberry muffins. Actually, make it four muffins. The young man nodded and started preparing the order.
His expression had changed completely now that he saw Elena was with a well-dressed customer.
Marissa sat down across from Elena and reached across the table to hold her hands.
“Tell me everything,” she said. “Tell me what happened. Tell me where you’ve been.” So Elena did.
She told Marissa about the divorce, about how Jonathan’s lawyers had taken everything, about losing her apartment and then her job.
She told her about the first night she spent on the street, how scared she had been.
She told her about learning to survive, about the kindness of some strangers and the cruelty of others.
