A Finer End

a distant universe, and sometimes she missed that, too, with an ache so fierce it surprised her. But things were better, now, since she’d met Buddy and got the job at the café. She’d been leery at first, but the offer had turned out to be no more than the kindness it seemed. After a few weeks she’d begun volunteering to open and close the café. If her boss knew she spent the nights in the tiny upstairs room, he’d never let on. And if it spooked her sometimes — the must of damp oozing from the walls, the strange dreams that kept her restless and sweating... she’d known it was better than the alternative.
    There was a toilet and washbasin at the top of the stairs, so she’d been able to keep herself clean, and to wash out her few items of clothing. But everything was getting tight now, stretching across her swelling belly.
    She didn’t think about how she would manage when the baby came.
    You just did one thing at a time, and right now the soup needed stirring. It was a rich mixture of cabbage, tomatoes, and caraway seed — Schii, Buddy said it was called, a recipe from his German grandmother who had emigrated to the Texas Hill Country. She tasted it, reached for the salt, then felt the oddest sensation in her abdomen. A flutter, almost a tickle — there it was again.
    She was standing, spoon in one hand, salt in the other, mouth open in surprise, when the door opened and a woman came in. Dark, silver-streaked hair in a plait down her back, a worn face, dangly earrings, long Indian cotton skirt — Faith recognized her as a regular customer and a friend of Buddy’s, but she’d never really spoken to her.
    Are you all right?’ the woman asked, coming up to the serving counter.
    ‘I — I just felt something... I think the baby moved.’
    ‘First time?’
    Faith nodded. Putting down salt and spoon, she pressed her palm carefully against her abdomen.
    ‘Good. That’s normal, you know. Nothing to worry about. Before you know it she’ll be kicking you like a footballer.’ The woman looked Faith over, assessing her with what seemed a professional eye. ‘Do you have a midwife?’
    Faith shook her head.
    ‘Have you been to an antenatal clinic?’
    ‘No.’ All those things meant registering with the social services, giving name, address, parents...
    The woman studied her a moment longer. ‘Like that, is it? How old are you?’
    ‘Seventeen. Old enough to be on my own.’
    ‘Your parents know where you are?’
    ‘Don’t want to know,’ Faith replied, struggling to keep her voice steady. ‘And I don’t see why it’s any of your business.’
    ‘How about making me a cup of tea?’ the woman said, apparently unfazed by Faith’s rudeness. ‘I’m Garnet, by the way. I live up the hill.’
    Faith complied, glad of the opportunity to collect herself, while Garnet stayed at the counter, watching her.
    When Garnet had her tea, she said as if continuing a casual conversation, ‘Not very comfortable, sleeping in that old boxroom upstairs, I shouldn’t think. Not the best thing for a girl in your condition, either — all that damp.’
    Faith’s heart raced with panic. ‘But... how did you-’
    ‘Buddy and I have been friends for a long time. He’s worried about you.’
    Flushing with embarrassment at her own stupidity, Faith stammered, ‘But I thought he didn’t—’
    ‘Don’t let the drawl fool you. He’s a sharp old bird, and more kind-hearted than he’d like anyone to know. He thought I might have a spare room. It’s nothing fancy,’ Garnet continued, ‘but it’s warm and dry, and there’s a real bed.’
    ‘But I-’
    ‘You could pay me a little rent, and help out with the shopping. Buddy says you’re turning into a pretty good cook.’
    ‘But why would you do this for me? I don’t understand.’
    Garnet gestured at her belly. ‘You’re going to need care, girl, and I can give it to you. I was a midwife, once, and those things you don’t forget.’
    ‘That’s still not why,’ Faith said stubbornly. ‘Are you in the habit of taking in strays?’
    Garnet smiled. ‘Only cats.’ Shrugging, she added, ‘I’m not sure I can give you a better reason. I hadn’t made up my mind until I saw you again. There’s something... I don’t know. Let’s just say I have some old accounts to settle.’
    ‘I couldn’t pay much,’ Faith said slowly.
    ‘You’d better come and see the place before we talk about that,’ Garnet said, businesslike again. ‘Go straight up