a day like today

It was a new semester, but Sally already felt she was taking a big step to nothing. Sure, she'd managed a few credits since last year, but she wanted to go fulltime. She would have to if she wanted to get her life together and have a real career.

She'd had her friends like Char cheer her own as if they were her real support, but it came down to this. Sally would have to do the work. At least, she had daycare at the University. She would not be getting a job anytime soon. This was her goal find something solid that would help her support her family.

And as adulting as she felt that day with a backpack ready to move her forward yet loaded down with all sorts of paperwork, she bumped straight into some boy who she knew was a Freshman.

Little did she know reality was right in front of her.

He winced, but kind of smiled. He apologized, but then mumbled he didn't know this place very well. He was from North Dakota.

Sally let out a sigh, not really wanting to be helpful, but she looked at the map he was carrying and did her best to point to all the places he needed to go. Still, he looked confused.

Sally winced back trying not to be too harsh. After all, mid-westerners were supposed to be helpful and happy. She turned to go on her way on this rather fall day with a breezy north wind. He followed.

"What?" She scowled back at him. "What is it?"

"Oh..I..I thought we were just going the same way." He shrugged.

She didn't believe him for a second. She headed toward the Campus Coffee shop. She needed to take a load off. Evidently, he did too.

"Look," she pointed to a HELP WANTED sign. "Maybe you could get a job."

"I haven't thought that far." It was as if they were instant friends. "How about you?"

"I can't I have a baby." She'd turn him off soon enough.

"You got any pictures?" He wanted to know.

She looked at him blankly.

"I have a new baby sister," he smiled. "I miss her already. She just started walking." He rambled on a bit more. "Sorry, I'm Tony, by the way."

"Sally." She nodded.

"That's the baby's name?" He asked.

"No, that's my name. Her name is Ava." Sally told him.

"Ava?" His smile was open. "That's my baby sister's name."

Sally smiled. Although, she really wasn't sure what she was getting herself into. Tony bought them milk tea and some shortbread cookies.

"Sorry, to be so much trouble," he told her. "But I don't know anyone. I'm amazed I actually found the campus."