I remember thinking that losing a yoga mat was a strange reason to make four people late.
But traffic started moving, Emma began talking about her spelling test, and I let it go.
Vanessa always thanked me afterward.
“You’re a lifesaver, Sarah.”
She never offered gas money.
I never asked.
One afternoon, Emma asked,
“Why doesn’t Sophie’s mom ever drive us?”
We were sitting outside Vanessa’s house waiting for Sophie.
I glanced at Emma through the rearview mirror.
“Because we help people when we can.”
Emma frowned.
“But you always help. Why doesn’t anyone help you?”
I laughed.
“I don’t need help taking you to school. We’re already in the car.”
At the time, I thought I was teaching my daughter generosity.
Looking back, I was also teaching her that her mother didn’t know when generosity should stop.
Then Vanessa bought a new SUV.
