The Better Path

Chloe paused, her hand hovering over the cash register. She thought about the person she had become *because* of people like Jessica. She had learned empathy, resilience, and the quiet strength of kindness. Giving in to anger would be a betrayal of her own hard-won growth. Jessica’s suit looked expensive; the cuff, frayed. Her tote looked heavy; the way her shoulders sloped under it looked heavier. Chloe placed the check as if completing a ritual. “Thank you for coming in,” she said, layering sincerity over civility. She saw Jessica’s eyes flick up, puzzled—like a cat hearing its name spoken by a stranger.