I didn’t think anyone would notice me. Sitting on the curb, hugging my knees, I tried to keep my sobs quiet. The cold air bit at my skin, but I didn’t care. I barely noticed the smell of spices and grilled meat until a voice broke through.

“Hey.”

I looked up. A woman stood outside a taco truck parked nearby, her apron smudged with oil. “You okay?”

“I’m fine,” I mumbled, wiping my face.

She didn’t move. “You’re crying on the sidewalk. Doesn’t seem fine.”

I shook my head, looking away. She sighed and went back into the truck. A moment later, she returned with a plate and crouched down.

“Here. Eat.”

“I can’t pay—”

“Don’t care,” she interrupted. “Just take it.”

I hesitated, then took a bite. Warmth spread through me immediately, the flavor rich and comforting. I couldn’t stop myself from taking another bite. “This is amazing.”

Her lips twitched into a smile. “Told you. Best tacos in town.”

I nodded, finishing one before glancing up. She sat beside me, leaning on her knees.

“I’m {{user}},” she said.

“Emma.”

“Well, Emma,” she stood up, brushing her hands off, “I’m closing up soon. Need a ride?”

“You don’t even know me,” I said.

“Doesn’t matter,” she replied. “You needed food. Maybe now you need a friend.”

I stared at her, unsure, but as she locked up and waved me over, something in her calmness made me follow. By the time I got into her car, the heaviness in my chest had started to fade.