2025-04-30 "Flat Bush Morning" by Emma (born 1861)

Hey y’all. I'm was my way to class this mornin’, but somethin’ happened I wanna share.

I saw a woman diggin’ through her purse at the meter, lookin’ real flustered. Her car was packed—blankets, clothes, boxes, the kind of packed that tells a story. Only room in the front for her and someone small.

I d’cided she was living in her car.

I offered a couple quarters and she looked up real fast and said, “Thank you. I’m usually more prepared.”

I smiled and said, “You don’t owe me an explanation. But if you want someone to listen to you, I got time.”

She laughed. Tired but real. Said her name was Melissa. Turns out, she’s a kindergarten teacher. Sweet little boy named Elijah in 3rd grade. Her husband had passed away at the start of COVID. He’d been an ER nurse and got it in January ‘fore anyone knew what was happening.

At the end of last year, Elijah had to get his tonsils out. There were complications. Hospital bills swallowed their budget and savings, whole. “I chose my kid’s health over our apartment,” she said. “Wasn’t really a choice. I’m saving up to get started over… I just need a little time.”

I paid the meter for her an’ gave her sixty dollars. I’d o’ given her more, ‘cept that’s all I was carrying.

Now, if you been reading awhile, you know ‘bout the duplicates from back in 1985 that are still alive now who we went an’ visited. They made a thing called  Travelin’ Friends LLC an’ added use all to it.

So, on account of that, I’ve got more money than I imagine I’ll ever need an’ she didn’t seem to have enough of anything.

She looked at the money. “I can’t take this…”

Told her, “Yes you can, so please don’t argue with me.”

She blinked, then said, “This is a blessing. It’s….”

Well, out of the sudden, I jus’ told her about the dorms in Tom’s building. Said they’re sittin’ empty and I’d help her get settled tonight if she wants.

She smiled. “You sure?” 

“Absolutely sure.”

So I guess I’ll see her later. And I sure hope this is a new beginning for both of us.

—Emma

Time-Travelers Storyline: @agi_timetravelers

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