Chapter 14
Tessa considered resigning.
I refused her resignation.
She refused my refusal.
Fair.
We argued for ten minutes before remembering employment does not work like Mafia command.
She wanted to leave because the house no longer felt safe.
Not physically.
Morally.
She had watched a woman hurt a newborn, struck Tessa for intervening, then nearly control the story because of rank.
“I don’t know if I can work here without thinking about it.”
I understood.
So I made a different offer.
“Take a month.”
“Paid?”
“Yes.”
She narrowed her eyes.
“Not a favor.”
“No.”
“Not something I owe you for later.”
“No.”
She smiled faintly.
“You’re learning.”
Annoying woman.
Useful.
She returned after three weeks.
Her choice.
Elena cried when she saw her.
Tessa immediately said:
“Don’t make it dramatic.”
They both laughed.
Good.
The refrigerator was removed from that room entirely.
Not because the appliance itself was evil.
Because nobody needed to see it every day.
In its place we put open storage shelves for blankets and bottles.
No doors.
No hidden compartments.
Maybe symbolic.
Also practical.
May you like
Mira liked the room because babies know nothing about symbolism.
Excellent.
