Believe

Harriet opened the door and person just entered without saying a word. She was a youthful Asian woman wearing a pink sweatshirt and avoided direct eye contact with Harriet until she stood at the window for a few moments before looking back.

“I always enjoyed this view,” The Asian woman said.

Harriet was getting annoyed, “I lived here with my husband longer than you’ve been alive, and you have the nerve to come in here --”

“I am your husband.” The Asian woman retorted.

Harriet was taken aback. Her husband had died a few months ago. This woman had some nerve...

“I don’t know how it happened,” The Asian woman said, “I just...woke up like this one day, living halfway across the country. No identity. No phone. The things I did to make money -- I don’t even want to mention. I did it all so I could see you again. I know it’s insane and unbelievable. I just needed to at least say goodbye, and then you’ll never have to see me again.”

Harriet wanted to shout. She wanted to tell this woman to get lost, to stop spreading lies. Except -- dammit -- she believed this woman.