It was night by the time they reached the small rural property.
A rusty roof. A porch light on. Warm glow spilling from the kitchen window.
Frank hesitated. “If he also—”
Diane didn’t let him finish. She knocked.
The door opened almost instantly.
Kayla appeared first, wearing a flour-stained apron.
Behind her stood Noah—simple T-shirt, tired eyes, but gentle.
Diane spoke in a weak voice. “We need help… we don’t have anywhere to sleep…”
Noah didn’t ask questions.
He opened the door wide. “Come in. It’s cold out there.”
Kayla was already grabbing a glass of water. “I’ll heat up some soup.”
Noah pulled out two chairs. “Sit. Nobody stays outside here.”
Frank could barely breathe.
“You don’t even know who we are,” he managed.
Noah gave a small smile. “You’re people who need help. That’s enough.”
Kayla set two steaming bowls on the table. “We’ll figure out where you can sleep after. We’ll squeeze in.”
“But… we’ll be a burden…”
“A burden is shutting the door on someone,” she said simply.
Tears slid down Diane’s face.
Noah noticed. “Are you okay?”
Frank couldn’t hold it.
“Son…” he whispered, voice breaking.
Noah froze.
Diane removed the dirty scarf from her head. Frank slipped off the oversized coat.