“Had to be,” she said. “Sometimes I can see when someone’s headed straight for trouble. Sometimes I can help. I saw you and knew you were about to lose yourself. You’ve got a good heart. The world can be rough on people like that. You have to learn how to live in it.”
Emily squeezed her hand, tears slipping down her cheeks.
“Thank you. I see things differently now. You saved me.”
The woman closed her eyes, a peaceful little smile resting on her face.
“No, honey. You saved yourself. I just pointed the way.”
She fell silent, and Emily understood she would never hear that voice again. But the warmth of that frail hand stayed with her.
In the morning, Emily stepped out of the hospital. The sun was bright, birds were singing, and the city was waking up. She took the bundle of dried herbs tied with red string from her bag and let the wind carry it away.
A small thing, maybe. But she knew the woman was with her now—in every shaft of sunlight, every kind word, every new beginning. Emily looked up at the sky and smiled.
“I’ll be okay,” she said softly. “I promise.”
