She Said They Said

She said “I need help.”
They said, “We’re busy. Maybe next week.”
She said, “Do you have time to help now?”
They said, “We’re still busy. Some other time.”
She said, “I can’t do this on my own. Please help.”
They said, “We’d love to, but we have too many things to do.”
She said, “I’m begging you.”
They said nothing. They just turned away.
She said nothing either. Too exhausted to ask again.
They said, “We had no idea she needed help so badly. We’re sorry we didn’t listen. We’re sorry for your loss.”

She said nothing. She was gone.