The Price of Compassion

ere Matthew worked. The one I paid all the bills for. The familiar de

iversary,

hodical precision. I stuffed the cheap paper

carried the bag out. Her husband also worked at the

decorating?" she asked, a

aning up,

eet of your Matthew, throwing that big barbecue for Nicole. Celebrating her new jo

on the trash bag.

down," I said,

inside, but I didn't start packing my clothes. I went to my desk

eceipts, and a series of IOU notes, all

my purse and walked

employees were gathered around the communal picnic tables. In the center of it all was M

d overwhelmed, was dabbing

oached. "I just... I can't thank you and Matthew enough.

ssing the top of her head. "You deserve thi

idn't reach his eyes. It was the smile of a man

eted crowd. "In fact, I'm so inspired by your spirit

ltered. "What are

e. "I'm joining the Appalachian medical aid program. I'll be lea

lence fell o

red. He dropped the

stepping towards me. "Are you trying to

ing to discuss,

"Oh, no! This is my fault! I'll... I'll give up the posit

perwork was already signed. It w

voice cutting through her sobs. "You're no

urse and pulled out

ssue is abo