Money was always tight. Margaux lived carefully, like someone walking through a house of glass. She clipped coupons, bought store brands, waited for sales, and measured every purchase against groceries and medication. She walked to the supermarket because bus fare added up. She had learned a lifetime ago that small expenses become heavy when you stack them day after day.
One afternoon, she misjudged her shopping. The bags were heavier than she expected, and by the time she stepped outside, her arms were already aching. She took a few steps, then stopped half a block later, forced to lower the bags to the pavement and flex her cramped fingers.
