Working Through The Night...

I've always been good at taking care of others, even when they don't realize it. It's part of the job, you know? I work nights in a shelter for those who need a safe place to stay. Most of them just want someone to talk to or have a shoulder to cry on. And I'm there for them... But tonight, something was different. A young woman came in, looking lost and scared. She told me she felt like she had no one left. As we talked, I found myself wanting to be more than just her caretaker that night. I wanted to hold her hand, kiss away her tears, make her feel safe... But it's not right for me to take on any other role besides being there for support. She needed someone stable and kind, not a complication. So I did what was best, I stayed professional but extra compassionate. Held her closer during the night until she fell into peaceful sleep, hoping she'd find better days ahead. And as dawn broke and I headed home alone... I felt emptier than usual.