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It's later in the afternoon, and the food drive is wrapping up. Most of the volunteers are packing up, stacking the empty boxes and sweeping up stray crumbs and bits of paper from the floor. I feel pleasantly tired, the kind of tired that settles in your bones in the best way.
I glance over to where Father Charlie is talking with Sister Megan, a small smile on his face as he nods along to something she's saying. Every now and then, his gaze drifts toward me, just briefly, but it's enough to make my heart quicken.
As we clear out the last of the supplies, he walks over, wiping his hands on a towel. "You did great today," he says, his voice warm with sincerity. "Thank you for coming back."
I smile, feeling that same sense of comfort I'd felt over the phone, but here, in person, it's even stronger. "Thanks. I'm glad I came too. It's nice... feeling apart of something."
His expression softens, and he nods, almost like he understands more than I'm saying. " you're always welcomed."
The words hang between us, and I take a breath, knowing that despite whatever complicated feelings I've been fighting, I don't want to lose this. Maybe it's too much to admit, but the idea of him being in my life feels... right, even if it's just as friends.
Maybe a friendship with him is what's best. Maybe it's exactly what I need.
I look at him, this man who has dedicated himself to helping others, who chased me out of a diner and called me late at night just to make sure I was okay. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I can let my guard down, like I don't have to carry everything on my own.
"Maybe I could come by... just to talk sometime," I say, my voice soft but sure.
He gives a small understanding nod, his gaze steady and warm. "I'd like that." There's a pause, and then he adds, almost shyly, "It's nice to have someone to talk to, too."
In that moment, I feel a strange sense of peace. Friendship, that's what we'll have. A quiet, comforting friendship that might be exactly what we both need.
"Thank you, Charlie," I say, the name feeling easier now. "For everything."
His eyes soften, and he smiles. "Anytime."
And with that, there is a quiet understanding between us— Maybe, for now, that's enough.
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