We walk home in the cold, hand in hand. A few people give us a funny look, but Andrew doesn’t seem to notice.

When we’re only a few blocks from my house, it begins to snow. It’s the kind of snow that sort of drifts down and looks light as a feather. The kind that won’t stick or be here tomorrow.

As we approach my building, I spot Mrs. Hoffmeister wrapped up in her coat, scarf, and hat, smoking a cigarette.

She looks our way and smiles wide when she sees me. “Just the girl I’ve been looking for. I called you earlier, but you didn’t pick up. Must’ve been out with this one, I guess?” She nods at Andrew and narrows her eyes.

“Hi, Mrs. Hoffmeister. Why were you looking for me?”

“My bathtub is getting kind of dirty, and you know how I can’t bend over very well. Means I can’t clean it properly. I was hoping you’d be a dear and stop in and give it a good scrub for me.”

I feel Andrew turn his head slowly and look at me, waiting to see how I’ll respond. His words from earlier ring through my head like Christmas bells.

I like Mrs. Hoffmeister and don’t mind helping her. But what began as neighborly acts of kindness have slowly morphed into housekeeping and butler services. Andrew’s not wrong when he says that she can walk down to the corner store to buy her own cigarettes or do any myriad of the other things she often requests of me. If I step back, I can see clearly that she’s taken advantage of me over time.

“Actually, I have a really busy week with work, so I’m not going to be able to do that for you. I’m sorry.” My heart drums after the words leave my mouth and I wait for her to reply.

I register her shock at first, but it slowly morphs into acceptance. “Oh okay. Well, I’ll call one of my sons, or maybe I’ll have to start getting someone in to tidy the place.”

A rush of air leaves my mouth. I don’t know what I expected her to say, but I realize that my deepest fears didn’t come true just because I stood up for myself.

This realization makes me feel a little foolish. Did I expect her to rant and rave about what a horrible person I am? Honestly, a little. But she immediately backed down and I think maybe that’s given me the confidence I need to stand up for myself again.

“Thanks for understanding.” I take Andrew’s hand and squeeze, leading him up the stairs, feeling buoyant.

Once we’re inside, he tugs on my hand, forcing me to stop before I start up the stairs. I turn to face him.