The Girl He Chose : Driven by Love

a's

black coat found me at the diner where I

d not belong there. Her coat looked like it cost more than the diner made in a month. Her shoes were the kind that never touched dirty sidewalks if t

Mora

still in the water. No one used my full name unless they wanted something,

ned apron and stepped out fr

hat we locate you. Mrs. Evelyn Vance survived because of your donation. The family would like to offer you

ple like me did not get medical coverage. We got eme

word came out shar

diately if you accept. You would have your own room, meals provided, and a salary deposited weekl

when I counted the last crumpled dollars in my pocket. I thought of my mother's voice in the final weeks of her

id before I could ta

less. "A car will pick you up this afternoon. Pa

never worried about rent. White stone. Tall windows that reflected the gray Chicago sky. A front door that probably cost more than ever

for staff. The room she showed me was small and clean, tucked under the eaves. A single bed with white sheets. A dresser that loo

ce expects absolute silence and perfection. Do not speak unless spoken to. Do not make eye contact unless ne

, ma

Evelyn Vance fo

ery little effort. Silver-streaked dark hair pulled into a flawless twist. A cream silk blouse that made my uniform look even

he said. Her voice was smooth as glass an

the way Mrs. Lang had i

ou will be invisible unless I require otherwise. And if you disappoint me even once..." She smiled then, a smal

Mrs. V

arrying an edge of cruelty even though I hadn't met her yet. I would learn her name soon eno

rs of jeans. Three shirts. The photograph of my mother I kept wrapped in an ol

lready looked at me like I was something s

time, if the universe had a pa

e tall buildings. Inside, the house settled

nd tried not to think about cold

d not co