Those words struck Paige deeply, reminding her of the painful decision to leave her children with relatives so she could cross the border and earn money for them, something her family had never supported. Every dollar she sent had gone into that house and their comfortable lives.
Paige took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm while lowering her gaze.
“I just need a few days,” she said quietly, trying to keep her voice steady. “I can sleep outside on the patio, and I will not cause any trouble for you.”
Susan let out a dry laugh that carried bitterness and rejection, and she shook her head without hesitation.
“You think you can sleep on my property after showing up like this,” she replied coldly. “Go to the church shelter at the end of the street, because that is where people like you belong.”
The door began to close slowly as Susan pushed it without any hesitation, and Paige stood there motionless while the rejection from her own family settled heavily in her chest.