Photo by Jordan Whitt on Unsplash

Better, But Not Great

The relief and shame of accepting government assistance.

I dress up for my appointment today, putting on earrings and a nice shirt. Tucked into my purse is a well-worn water bottle, a strawberry fruit bar, and a bag of salted cashews.

It is hot today. We exit the house and my back becomes wet with sweat. My daughter’s neck gathers small drops of salty dew. The…