Something Else Entirely

You recognize her — she's been in most days this two weeks, always with a small question, always a bit longer at the counter than the question strictly required. The queue's finally clear.

It's not really about enrollment. I just — things at home have gotten pretty bad. My stepdad. I don't really have anyone else to say this to right now.

She says it fast, looking at the counter rather than at you, like she's been holding it and it came out before she'd decided whether to let it.