As they ate, Natalie began to open up more about her circumstances. “We’ve been on the streets for weeks now,” she admitted. “I lost my job when the company downsized, and it’s been impossible to find work since.” Her voice cracked, but she quickly regained composure.
Robert listened, his emotions in conflict. Sympathy stirred as he imagined the hardships Natalie had endured, yet unease lingered. The thought of leaving strangers in the garage while he spent the day at work unsettled him. Julia would be home alone, and the risk felt too great to ignore.