Chapter 16
Nella eventually left household service.
Not because of conflict.
Because she wanted nursing school.
That surprised me only because I had never asked.
Mother hated the idea.
For ten minutes.
Then forgot.
Then remembered and hated it again.
Nella laughed.
We arranged schedules so she could study while remaining part-time with Mother during transition.
Not charity.
Investment in someone already doing work that mattered.
She finished three years later.
Mother attended the small graduation dinner.
Halfway through, she asked why everyone was congratulating Nella.
Nella told her.
“I became a nurse.”
Mother stared.
“Finally.”
Everyone laughed.
Apparently she had been waiting despite not remembering the wait.
Then Mother looked at me.
“You should marry her.”
Nella nearly dropped a glass.
I closed my eyes.
Some memories disappear.
Matchmaking survives everything.
“No.”
Mother frowned.
“Why?”
Nella answered:
“Because I have standards.”
Rafe laughed loudest.
Good.
Life had finally become rude and ordinary again.
That night, Nella told me she had accepted a position at a private elder-care residence.
Not ours.
Independent.
I was proud of her.
Not possessive.
That distinction mattered.
She asked:
“Who will stay with Elspeth?”
“Mara.”
“And?”
“Two others.”
Good.
No single indispensable caregiver.
No concentrated power.
We had learned.
Before leaving, Nella said:
“Don’t let people dismiss her because she forgets.”
“I won’t.”
She looked at me.
“You might.”
Fair.
“Then remind me.”
“I won’t be here.”
I smiled.
“Then I’ll remember.”
May you like
Dangerous promise given our family history.
Still worth making.
