Sienna blinked, confused. “It’s not in great shape,” Altha added quickly. “I haven’t used it in a while. But there’s a mattress… heating… enough to get through a couple of days.” For a moment, neither of them spoke. “You can stay there,” Altha continued. “Just until I get back. I won’t be gone long.”
“I… I don’t know what to say,” Sienna replied. “You don’t have to say anything,” Altha said. “Just don’t stay out here.” There was a pause. Then Sienna nodded slowly. “Thank you,” she said, her voice quieter now. Altha handed over the keys and wrote her number down. “Call me if you need anything.” For a second, she hesitated. You’re giving your house to a stranger.
But the thought didn’t stay. She had already made the decision. And walking away now somehow felt worse than the risk. So she turned and headed back toward the terminal. Even as she boarded her flight, the moment stayed with her. Not because it felt wrong, but because it felt certain.