Chapter 15 - Thomas gets an apartment
Thomas finally received supportive housing.
Not from me.
VA-affiliated voucher.
Nonprofit case management.
Small apartment.
One bedroom.
Fourth floor.
Elevator smelled like bleach.
He invited me.
I brought a plant.
He said:
“Why?”
“People bring plants.”
“I’ve been homeless, not raised by wolves.”
“Then put it by the window.”
He did.
His daughter, Rachel Reed, visited from Oregon.
Thirty-two.
Elementary-school speech therapist.
She was wary of me.
Good.
“Why are you around my dad?”
“He saved my life.”
“So?”
I liked her immediately too.
Thomas groaned.
“Great. Now there are two of you.”
Rachel said:
“My father has a problem believing needing help is a moral failure.”
“I noticed.”
Thomas:
“You both can leave.”
We stayed.
Rachel later told me:
“Dad won’t take money.”
“I know.”
“Don’t trick him.”
“I considered it.”
She stared.
“Do not.”
I promised.
Instead, Thomas began a fiduciary-education program recommended by Evelyn.
His idea.
Not mine.
He wanted to understand what I kept asking him to consider before saying no forever.
Community-college accounting basics.
Nonprofit governance seminar.
Trustee orientation.
May you like
He hated all of it.
Completed everything.
