Chapter 25 - I leave the uniform behind
I never returned to Ashford House as staff.
Employment settlement was simple.
Final wages.
Unused leave.
Housing transition allowance negotiated by lawyers.
No giant payoff.
No hush money.
I did not sue the family into bankruptcy.
I found a job managing events at a hotel in Stamford.
Salary slightly higher.
No staff apartment.
Good.
I paid rent myself.
For the first few months, every expense frightened me.
Childcare.
Health insurance contribution.
Groceries.
Electricity.
Things Vivian used to point toward when saying:
Do you understand what independence costs?
Yes.
It cost money.
That did not make dependence morally superior.
Celeste gave me one thing when I left.
My original silver tray from the Winter Ball.
I stared.
“Why?”
“It was scheduled for disposal because it was dented when it fell.”
I looked at the dent.
“No.”
She laughed.
“What?”
“I don’t want it.”
“You sure?”
“Yes.”
She nodded.
Good.
Not every object needs symbolism.
The tray belonged to the house.
May you like
I took Noah.
That was enough.
