“She brought it because she’s scared,” Dan said. “No kid should carry this alone.”
Paul ran a hand through his hair. “After her mom died, I promised I’d keep her safe. I didn’t want her to see me fail.”
“She needs more than promises,” Dan said. “She needs food, rest, and a chance to be a kid.”
He nodded, finally breaking.
“What now?”
I made calls—the school counselor, a neighbor at a food pantry, Lizie’s landlord. Dan picked up groceries with saved coupons. Sam baked banana bread with Lizie. The kitchen filled with laughter again.
A social worker came by. The landlord agreed to delay eviction a month if Paul did some work and paid part of the debt.
“If you can do some handy work around the building, Paul, and pay off a small portion of the money owed, we can reach an agreement.”
At school, the counselor admitted they should have stepped in sooner. Lizie got free lunch and real support.
