Not long after landing in Boston, I managed to double my wardrobe.  While Hannah worked, I shopped.  Who knew that boots could transform me into someone respected and revered?  Only Urban Outfitters.  Did I consider whether a black top is worth a tango with bankruptcy?  Well. Confidence is invaluable.

One day on my way to the bus, I stopped by a modest cafe for coffee.  I had three bags from nearby boutiques in tow which made it impossible to fish change out of my purse. 
"Have you got a card that's more accessible?  We do take plastic."  The server was impatient.  He had russet-colored hair that was sticking straight up, reminding me of fallen leaves before they've relaxed into the ground. 
"My card's under probation.  I'm unemployed."
"Right," he said with a glance at my shopping bags.  He was smiling.

I didn't show Hannah my purchases, just tucked them under her bed with all of her disregarded things.  She mentioned once, during a game of cribbage, that she would kick me out if I offered to pay her rent, which I figured meant that my free loading was a topic on her mind.  It wouldn't help anyone if she found out where her potential extra income was going.

The following weekend I asked Hannah if she wanted to go to Newbury Street, since I remembered her saying on Tuesday that she needed a new sweater for work.  Within the two hours that her parking meter afforded us, we had loaded up her car with bags.  On our way home we stopped at the coffee shop, and I recognized the server who had criticized my lifestyle.  I was glad to be wearing my newest favorite shirt.  It was muslin and soft and whispered when I walked like skis sliding over fresh snow.  "Hey," I said, when it was our turn at the counter. 
"Hey," he said.  "How's the job hunting going?"
I smiled.  He remembered me.  "Not good.  Anything open here?"
"You can't have my job.  Who's this?"
"This is my sister.  Hannah."
"Hannah, what do you do?"
"I'm a teacher," she said.
By the time we left, he had her phone number, and they'd arranged a date, volunteering at the animal shelter.
When we got back in her car, she turned up the radio too loud and started singing along to a song she didn't know.  "I think I'm going to stay for a while," I yelled over the noise.  "In Boston, where I can crash with my gracious sis for free."
"Cool," she said.  "I love having you around."