Chapter 16
Anna eventually left the estate.
Not because of fear.
Opportunity.
She enrolled in a hospitality-management program and took a daytime position at a boutique hotel.
Better hours.
More money.
Mia started preschool nearby.
When Anna told me, she looked nervous.
As though resignation were betrayal.
I almost laughed.
“You’re allowed to leave.”
She smiled.
“I know.”
Then:
“I didn’t before.”
That sentence stayed.
I gave her severance owed under our household policy.
Nothing extravagant.
No golden cage disguised as generosity.
She remained welcome socially.
Not obligated.
Mia hugged my leg on her last day.
“Open mouth.”
I crouched automatically.
She inspected.
“No blue.”
“Thank God.”
Anna laughed.
Then they left through the front door.
Not staff entrance.
Not symbolic by order.
Simply shortest route to the car.
May you like
Still, I noticed.
Good.
