It had been a week since Priscilla offered me a job at a diner in Brooklyn. It even had lodging upstairs, so I had a place to sleep. I had to share the apartment with a few other women who were also getting back on their feet, but my room was private.

I dressed in my cute little waitressing uniform. It was a little tight around the hips, but I think it helped the tips. After waking up, I set up the tables. Married the ketchups. Refilled salt and sugar shakers. It had a bit of a ...