Gazing up at the crappy brown building that houses “The Haven” homeless shelter, an internal wave of anxiety builds up inside me, like an all-consuming black hole, now that I’m faced with old memories. Jake is standing behind me with hands on my shoulders, and a kiss on my neck brings me back to the present.

“Call me, and I’ll come, okay?” His voice is a reminder that I can do this. I can be strong enough because of him.

“I know. Now leave before I change my mind ...