Emma stood on the side of the road, her mind racing as the reality of the situation sank in. Her husband, the man she thought would support and cherish her through the ups and downs of life, had just left her, pregnant and vulnerable, over a misguided notion of luck and success. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as cars zipped by, their drivers oblivious to the turmoil unfolding in her life.
A passerby, an older woman with kind eyes, stopped and asked if Emma needed help. Her compassion was a lifeline, and Emma nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. The woman, whose name was Carol, offered Emma a ride home. As they drove, Emma explained the situation. Carol listened intently, her eyes softening with understanding and concern.
