I t was the thunderous vision of all that must have come before that set Laylee’s brain on fire. Her mind cycled quickly through imagined scenes wondering what spark had ignited the conflagration in front of her. Gavi Laylee and Sarah stood in the entranceway for a long silent ugly moment. “I go to put her in the room at the end okay Miss Laylee? With the poof curtains?” Cassandra finally said her eyes revealing disdain for Laylee’s lack of manners.

“Right.” Laylee cleared her throat. “Perfect. The linens are in the top of the armoire and there are bath towels in the adjoining bathroom…”

“I know” Cassandra said wryly. Sarah followed Cassandra toward the staircase.

What am I doing? She looks like a wreck... She can’t stay here! What is she going to do all day?

“School” Laylee called out when Sarah was halfway up the staircase. “What about school? Twelfth grade. Big year.” Her tongue felt like cotton and she swallowed hard. The boys could be heard coming in from the backyard joking and laughing loudly as they traipsed through the kitchen.

Sarah turned sharply on the step and leaned over the banister. Her eyes flashed dangerously as they met Laylee’s. “School and I have had an unfortunate falling out.”

“Why?” Laylee asked.

The boys reached the entranceway boasting wide smiles ready to show Gavi the finished plans for the gazebo. They looked between Laylee and Sarah and quieted quickly.

Laylee gave Sarah a frantic look. Don’t answer my question. Not now not in front of everybody....

“You want to know why? Are you familiar with a plant classically known as cannabis?” Sarah spoke loudly her eyes flickering around the entrance hall a small smile playing on her lips.

The boys began to snicker. Laylee’s cheeks turned crimson. Next to her Gavi shook his head slowly. She’s not staying here. Not a chance.

“Knock knock!” a voice called out from behind her.

Laylee spun around to find Malky standing in the doorway the front door still wide open from Sarah’s grand entrance.

Oh perfect. Absolutely perfect timing. Laylee’s heart quickened. Thankfully she saw Sarah disappear upstairs and out of sight.

“Malky!” Laylee took the cupcake box from her and set it on the hall table flashing her most confident smile. “Thanks a million!”

Gavi ushered the boys outside to wait for their ride. Malky watched them file out eyes wide. When the front door finally closed she shook her head slowly. “You know you people are actual tzaddikim right? I mean… who spends their free time doing stuff like that?” She gestured toward the door. “Welcoming those kids into your home? Saving their lives… Everybody talks about chesed but you guys actually live it. Laylee grabbed her purse and fumbled for her wallet her hands shaking slightly. “Oh please Malky. Stop exaggerating. Baruch Hashem we’re fortunate to be in a place where we can give.” Her mind was on the 17-year-old upstairs she’d be sending away very soon. She’s not my mess. She’s not my problem. And she’s not staying.”