Only His On Paper

as much as the ache in my bones. From behind me, I can hear the clink of coffee cups and a manager's last half-hearted "Good job tonight, Ava." I force

meal for us tonight, but Lily will eat. That's all that matters. By the time I climb into the cab that will take me home, I'll

ke I left it this morning: patient, a little teasing. "Hey, superstar. Rubbing it in, leaving me alone to start all the morn

t we can't afford a private room; hate that this disease turned my sister, my best friend, into a scared child every n

urb. The heat faded hours ago, but it'll do for one mor

ing token someone dropped. My eyes sting, shouldn't cry here, shouldn't let the tears mix with the stree

shifting from foot to foot, trying to stay awake. Every shadow feels like it's creeping closer, waiting to snatch me down an alley. People p

ndromat. He's been working nights like I have, just me and him and a thousand folding machines. Gar

him about Lily's latest blood work, and how my last paycheck didn't even cover two days of f

lf to smile a thank-you at the driver, holding the token out. "No, Av

th in Gary's eyes, no pity, just plain human kindness. I realize I don't have the words

hts, everyone looks older and lonelier, and for once I don't feel alone. They have their own wars, their debts, their

ity's noise seems softer, tired from the night. I'm on

kes. A greasy burger at a nearby fast-food joint? But two dollars and thirty-

(I'm too broke even for a car charger), hoping for some loose change

ng the driver's lost or something. I shouldn't be surprised in New York; the city'

alm, cool as the city night. "Ava?" he asks quietly. Not a question, m

the names out there, he knows mine.

ance lights, just the hum of the idling engine. I recognize the make: something rid

he says, voice like velvet. The question hangs in

y No, that nothing ever comes for free, and that I could run f

yes steady. The words hang between us, heavy

or. He opens it. I freeze, unsure if I'm dreamin

. My heart hammers; I hesitate at the threshold, torn be