"Having a job is great-you can earn your own money and don't have to put up with men mocking us, saying women only live off them."

Keen thought of the healing meals his mother used to make for him, and the special dishes she always prepared just for him.

In a quiet voice, he murmured, "Mom, I'm sorry."

Stella shook her head gently. "Alright, we're done picking out the vegetables. Let's

head over to the snacks aisle and grab some of your favorites."

The little group made their way toward the snacks section.

Haynes followed along behind them.

For Haynes, this was a strangely new experience.

He'd always considered shopping with women to be a waste of time-tedious and inconvenient.

But now, not only did he not feel annoyed, he actually found himself wanting to walk beside Stella and help her pick things out.

Once they'd finished shopping, the group left the supermarket.

Joshua drove them back to the apartment building, and when he parked the car, Stella turned to him. "Joshua, thank you for all your help today. You should get some rest."

She didn't invite him upstairs for dinner.

She had no intention of giving Haynes an excuse to linger around her.

I'll be on my way, then. If you need anything,

He left soon after.

finally walked up to

"Keen."

"Dad, you're still

the grocery bags in Stella's hands. "Let me carry

step back, neatly sidestepping

"No, thank you."

playing the

groceries every single day, and my hands are just fine. They're not so delicate that

faintly. "Mr. O'Brien, why don't you go help

chimed in, "It's okay, Dad. I can

clear he didn't expect his father to

still young, but even he could sense that his

Haynes fell silent.

Joshua already gone, Haynes had no choice but to leave

knew he had to

with

first. Only once

could he hope for

a chance

bring Stella back into

called Jasper

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