I decide to wait for Nicole outside. I feel lighter just stepping outside the doors to my building. I suppose this is how my mother has felt for years when she leaves work. Even the skin on my scalp loosens up. A whisper of guilt climbs my spine as I think about her having no options and working so hard so that now I have options. I have options. I have to keep reminding myself of that.

I laugh when I see a fancy black car slow to a stop and Nicole leans out the back window, ...