That night at the bus stop had cost her thirty-eight dollars, one exhausted night, and every plan she’d had for an easy life.

It gave her parents again. It gave her children grandparents who loved them fierce and gentle. It gave her a louder, messier, fuller heart than she’d ever thought possible.

Sometimes, late at night, Sophia still looked at the stars and whispered the same thing.

“Thank you for letting me stop.”