Hannah is a good person and she doesn’t deserve to live like this.

“It’s true. I worked so much through my twenties, I only really held on to a few good friends. And only one still lives within a half hour of here – and she’s married, just had a baby. So she’s not really around much anymore.” Embarrassment at admitting the lonely truth of her life forces her to stop talking. “I’d love to have some extra company.”

Hannah still doesn’t seem to quite believe her, even though she looks like she’s breaking. “What about dating?” She asks weakly, as if trying to find a reason, to give Caroline an out.

She can’t help the scoffing laugh that works its way out of her. “Yeah, none of that going on.” She definitely doesn’t want to dwell on that, especially to Hannah, and she refuses to dwell on that, either. “I have six excellent babysitting recommendations. I’m great with after school snacks and I can help with homework, except when we delve into science. That’ll have to be all you.” She offers a cheeky smile.

Which makes Hannah laugh. Disbelief covers her face, her laugh, and it’s all charming as she gives Caroline a soft look. It’s endeared, she thinks, and she has no idea the last time anyone has found her endearing of all things.

Hannah takes a deep breath. “Thank you. And I’ll meal prep for you in return.”

She wants to tell Hannah she doesn’t have to do anything for her in return, but she can see that Hannah needs that, she needs to be giving her something in return. So she nods. “It’s a plan, then.”

iv

iv

By St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a routine.

Two days a week, she picks Abbie up from school and they hang out at her place. Her entertainment arsenal – movies, games, books – that she’s built up over the last decade from her family is put to good use.

Abbie is smart and remarkably well-adjusted, both of which are traits she attributes to Hannah. And the meals Hannah brings her, anything from lasagna to roasted chicken to chowder, are all incredible.

Caroline does have a lot of babysitting experience, but not quite such a frequent schedule. Being the diligent student she’s always been, she sits down with Abbie to figure out a routine that works for them in the first week. A snack and homework first, and then they can play. Abbie’s content to play video games or watch a movie or read, to entertain herself when Caroline needs to finish up some work.

But she likes to hang out with Abbie. Hanging out with kids, getting to see their particular insights and excitements has always been something that’s fun for her.