Chapter 24 - THE COAT
The brown coat became strangely famous.
People offered to buy it for museums.
A designer proposed creating a luxury replica.
Martha refused all offers.
The coat had been purchased at a Queens thrift store after she left the shelter.
It kept her warm during night shifts.
She wore it when Alexander graduated high school.
When he opened his first lending office.
When she signed the first investment check.
It was not a costume of poverty.
It was part of her life.
Daniel looked at the frayed cuffs and imagined failure.
He never considered endurance.
Martha eventually donated the coat to Robinson House.
Not for display.
For use.
A new resident wore it during job interviews that winter.
May you like
Martha preferred that.
Clothing existed to protect people, not symbolize them behind glass.
