and safe?" he wasn't suggesting shelters so where coul

e," he

back at his

calm. How could he ask a stranger t

thinking about giving me a home then taking away my baby, it's not going to work. I'm fine. I can live on the streets." No matter how hard it was, I could survive if I had m

didn't ha

If I wanted a baby, then I would have gotten one for myself. All I want

ing things. He must have a valid reason why he wants to help someone he's jus

's like to be i

ion." he didn't look like someone who was homeless or has ever been homeless. He looked like someone who was born we

pers

u, a stranger, is not personal? You could be

your decision?" I rolled my e

ok like someone who know

an be de

tatement, "Indeed and that's

gious. She was the pastor's daughter, and she sinned. They had to maintain their status in the church, so they told her to leave. The person who got her pregnant wasn't in the church; he was a biker, so he didn't want a bab

long, two days the most. I was three when my mother was able to rent a one-bedroom apartment in Harlem. She worked as a waitress until I was twenty-three. She'

e. I didn't want my child to be subjected to the bullying I felt when I grew up. I didn't want people calling me a prostitute because I got pregnant. I want

ing my baby from me? What if he's lying? What if he's a serial killer? What if he's a human trafficker?

come in all shapes, sizes and races. He didn't look l

o matter how tempt

dn't r

ave left, and I coul

o your mother and you but that doesn't mean it will happen to my ba

hange your mind. My offer will still be opened." He pulled a business card out of his wallet and placed it in my hands. "I live at 150 Ma

Thanks." I stood from the chair, took up my bag then wa

tick with my decision. I held tight on my bag and walked down the bus

I couldn't go back to where I was earlier, not after what just happened. I didn't want him to pass and se

....

cardboard under my arms and walked from the back of the supermarket. Next thing for me to do is to find somewhere to stay tonight since tomorrow I

bit dark, but it was better than the dark alleys or park bench. With a firm g

d over to the bench and rested my bag on it, then lay my cardboard beside it. I took out my over-used blanket and placed it on the cardboard. I took out the almost empty bottl

wn on my makeshift bed. I used the blanket to cover my body, then closed my

I rested my hands on

asn't a mistake or something I regret. I would h

ve yo