"Well then, let's get you both settled." She leads me toward the back room. "There's a playpen back here from when my grandchildren visit. Let's set up young Liam, and then I'll show you the ropes."
The playpen is a godsend. I set Liam up with his stuffed rabbit and some board books. He settles in after a few minutes of fussing, probably as exhausted as I am from that horrible walk.
Mrs. Henderson is patient as she walks me through everything. How to arrange the pre-made bouquets. How to use the cash register. How to keep the flowers fresh and watered. Where everything is stored.
It's simple work. Calming work. The kind of work where my hands stay busy, but my mind can rest. After months of constantly looking over my shoulder, of moving from town to town, of never feeling safe anywhere, this quiet shop feels like sanctuary.
"You're a natural," Mrs. Henderson says after I finish my third bouquet. "Have you worked with flowers before?"
"No, but I've always loved them." I adjust a rose, making sure it sits perfectly. "My grandmother had a garden. She used to let me help her when I was little, before she passed away."
"Well, she taught you well." Mrs. Henderson pats my hand. "I think you're going to work out just fine here, Ruby."
Something in my chest loosens further. "Thank you."
The morning passes surprisingly quickly. A few customers brave the wind to come in—an elderly man buying roses for his wife's birthday, a young woman picking up an arrangement for her mother. I help Mrs. Henderson with each one, learning as I go.
Liam plays happily in his playpen, occasionally calling out to show me something. Each time, my heart swells with love for him. This is why I'm doing all of this. For him. So, he can have a safe, stable life.
Around noon, Mrs. Henderson insists I take a lunch break. I pull out the snacks I packed—crackers and peanut butter, an apple I'll split with Liam, and some cheese.
"Is that all you brought?" Mrs. Henderson frowns. "Dear, that's not enough food."
"It's fine. I'm not very hungry." The lie comes easily now. I've gotten good at pretending I'm not constantly hungry, that giving most of my food to Liam doesn't leave me running on empty.
She doesn't look convinced but doesn't push. Instead, she disappears into the back and returns with a sandwich and a container of cut fruit.
"I packed too much this morning. My eyes are always bigger than my stomach. Please, take some."
I want to refuse. I want to maintain my pride. But the sandwich looks incredible, and my stomach chooses that moment to growl audibly.
"Thank you," I say, accepting the food.
"We take care of each other here," Mrs. Henderson says simply. "That's how small towns work."
I eat slowly, savoring every bite while Liam munches on crackers beside me. The sandwich is turkey and swiss with lettuce and tomato, and it's the best thing I've tasted in weeks. The fruit is fresh and sweet.
When was the last time someone just gave me food without expecting something in return?
Yesterday. Chaos gave me food yesterday. I haven't seen him since yesterday afternoon, though I heard his motorcycle roar past late last night. Part of me wondered if he'd check on me this morning, but his house stayed quiet.
Not that I expected him to check on me. He already did so much. More than anyone else ever has.
"You have someone to help you at home?" Mrs. Henderson asks casually as she arranges a vase of lilies. "Family? The father?"
"No." The word comes out harder than I intend. "No family. And the father... he's not in the picture."
"I see." She doesn't push, just nods. "Well, you have people here now. This town may be small, but we look after our own."
I'm not sure I'm "their own" yet. I've been here for only three days.
"Thank you," I whisper.
The afternoon passes in the same steady rhythm. More customers, more arrangements, more flowers. I'm getting the hang of the cash register, of wrapping bouquets properly, of knowing which flowers pair well together.
Liam takes a nap around two, curled up in the playpen with his rabbit. I watch him sleep, his little chest rising and falling. I will keep him safe. No matter what it takes.
Chapter 5 - Chaos
