I wasn’t planning on answering and definitely not texting back. My first reaction was to file a report with Lift, but then I saw the texts and I just felt I had to say something.

I drive to the airport. When I get there, it’s madness, as always, but it doesn’t take me long before I see her. I park right across from her.

She’s beautiful in such a natural way. And so innocent-looking. What would a girl like her be doing with a meathead like him? The guy’s neck was almost as big as his head.

Just as I’m about to get out of the car, she texts me.

You know what? I don’t want his phone. You can keep it. Throw it away for all I care. I have more important things to worry about now.

I get out and just stand there, looking at her.

Like what? I reply.

Like sleeping in the airport tonight and eating vending machine food. My return ticket isn’t for another day. God, this is the worst birthday ever!

She puts the phone on the bench next to her and wipes her cheek with her hand. She’s crying. It breaks my heart and I feel so guilty. If only I hadn’t texted her back, she wouldn’t even know. She’d be oblivious to what he was doing. But then again, wouldn’t I want to know? If this was happening to me, wouldn’t I want someone to say something?

It’s your birthday?

Unfortunately, yes, and I’ve had some depressing ones, but this is the worst by far.

Instead of cutting short the conversation, getting in the car and driving away, I let myself be swept away in this chance encounter. It’s hard not to; she’s gorgeous. And now she’s all alone here. And I’m in a way to blame for this, right?

You shouldn’t stay at the airport on your birthday. Why don’t you just go somewhere for the day? There are so many nice places in the Bay Area.

The only thing I wanted to do here was to see the ocean and spend five minutes on a beach. Anyway, my funds are very limited so it’s not like I can afford to get around or stay in a hotel. I heard everything is super expensive in California.

I can give you some money and you’ll Venmo me back some other time.

I’m afraid you’d have to wait a long time. I just lost my job and without Dan, I also lost the apartment. So I’m jobless, penniless, and homeless.

That sounds like a lot. I’m sorry. I don’t mind if I have to wait. I just want to help.

That’s very nice of you to offer. Thanks, but no, thanks. Don’t take this the wrong way, but I don’t even know you.

It’s true. She doesn’t. A minute later, she texts back.

Maybe I shouldn’t even go back. What would I go back for?

Then don’t. Stay here, I text back. It’s just a thing I say. I don’t even know why.