Temporary Housing

She told him she liked him on a Wednesday afternoon. He told her she wasn't his type.
She showed up the next morning anyway.

Jane Reyes has always known how to make herself small. How to show up, stay quiet, and do whatever needs doing without asking for anything in return. For thirteen months she works beside Alex Chen, holding his world together in ways he doesn't notice, caring for someone who doesn't care for her.

Alex Chen is good at fighting for people who have nothing. He just isn't very good at seeing the ones standing right beside him. He tells himself Jane's dedication means nothing. He tells himself he doesn't notice.

He's wrong on both counts.

But by the time Alex finally understands what has been in front of him all along, Jane has been doing the harder work: learning that loving someone and losing yourself in them are not the same thing.