One sentence from me was like flipping a switch in Fern. Tears spilled down her cheeks in a rush.

“Zaina… it’s so good to have you here.”

Fern sobbed softly.

“It’s good for me to have you, too!”

All these years, Fern had drifted from city to city. No friends. No family. Long-term loneliness had gnawed at her body and mind until she was exhausted and miserable.

I tried to steady her. “People run into setbacks and ...