September 2, 2002

A lady came in to my work today. Her eyes looked dull, from stress? drugs? lack of sleep? She wore a light green sweater (crazy in this hot weather) a smart-cut dirty blond hair.

She asked me for help. She needed a place to stay from her abusive boyfriend, and needed money. I immediately sensed a scam. "Sorry, I can't help you."

"Is there anyone you can call? You can use our phone," I asked, probing for more information.

"I have one friend, but he is also a friend of my boyfriend. And my other friend is in Sacramento."

I wanted to inform her of the various women's services and shelters around here, as well as the fact that she could call the police. But she had already asked several other people and left.

The worst feeling, of course, is wonder if she was telling the truth. It's always that little nagging doubt that you can easily buy off by giving her the money.

But I'm not responsibile for another person's welfare. I'm not responsibile for finding out the truth. Am I?