“I understand,” I said, though I wasn’t sure that I did. “But it’s not just about the benefits, is it?”
There was another pause, a moment where the truth hovered just out of reach.
“No,” she admitted, her voice softer now, almost hesitant.
“Then let’s talk,” I suggested, a plea wrapped in hope.
“Okay,” she agreed, and for the first time, it felt like a step forward, however small.
As we ended the call, a sense of tentative relief washed over me, the prospect of understanding offering a glimmer of light amid the uncertainty.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered.
