23 The Weight of Choices

23 The Weight of Choices
23 The Weight of Choices

Dinner was filled with small chatter, the clink of cutlery, and the comforting normalcy of being together. Afterward, when Bruno carried dishes into the kitchen, he found Tessy already at the sink, sleeves rolled up.

“You shouldn’t be doing this.” He frowned, taking the plate from her hands. “Go rest. Patty and I can handle it.”

“I’m fine,” Tessy said with a grin, though her voice betrayed her weariness. “This helps me clear my head.”

Bruno shook his head and nudged her aside. “No. I mean it.” He paused, his voice softening. “You know…I regret ever letting you give up your studies. You took on responsibilities that weren’t yours, just so I could go ahead with mine and Patty with hers. I should never have listened to you.”

Tessy froze, her hands still damp with soap. The words stung, and for a heartbeat she couldn’t answer. Then she forced herself to swallow the lump in her throat.

“No, Bruno,” she whispered, shaking her head. “You shouldn’t carry that guilt. It was my choice. Back then…I wasn’t lying when I said I didn’t want to study.” She tried to smile, but her eyes wavered. “I just wanted to work, to make money. I don’t regret it.”

She did regret it, deeply. But now wasn’t the time to say it.

“I was glad to help Patricia finish high school. I was glad to help you ease your studies. That's enough for me.”

Bruno studied her silently for a long moment, frustration tightening his features. Then he said quietly, “Patty’s found a place to work part-time.”

“What? No.” Tessy turned sharply. “She’s too young for that.”

“No, she isn’t,” Bruno countered firmly. “Let her try. She wants to help.”

Tessy’s chest tightened. Starting work young had forced her to grow up before she was ready. She didn’t want Patricia to live the same way. “I don’t want her carrying that weight,” she said, her voice low.

“And I don’t want you breaking under it.” Bruno stepped closer, his voice gentler now. “I know you want to study, Tessy. I see you with those finance books. You light up when you’re reading them.”

Her lips parted, but she couldn’t find the words. Finally, she admitted softly, “Yes. I do want to. I want to go to college now, and I will. I’ll find a way, somehow. So don’t worry too much.”

Bruno’s expression softened. “Not you,” he corrected. “We. We’ll find a way out of this. Together.”

The sincerity in his voice pulled at her chest. He moved a little closer, his gaze lingering with quiet affection.

Before Tessy could respond, Grams’ voice cut through from the doorway.
“Oh, are you two busy?”

Startled, Tessy stepped back. “No, Bruno was just leaving.”

Bruno gave a small nod. “Good night .” And slipped past Grams, leaving Tessy alone with her.

Grams’ eyes softened, her tone warm but serious. “Tessy, I need to talk to you. Let’s go to the dining room.”

Tessy dried her hands on the kitchen towel, nodded, and followed Grams out.

They sat at the dining table, the night lamp casting a soft amber glow across the room. The light flitted over their faces, sharpening the lines of Grams’ worry and softening Tessy’s tired features. Grams sat at the head of the table, her posture firm, while Tessy slouched slightly beside her, fatigue weighing on her shoulders.

Grams sighed, the sound heavy.
“Tessy, I see how hard things have been for you. Especially now that Patty’s finished high school and preparing for college. And yet you won’t take any help from me. Why?”

Tessy rubbed her forehead, frustration pressing against her temples. The last thing she wanted after a day of endless work was another hard conversation.
“Grams, you’ve already done enough. You gave us food, shelter… you even handed us a whole building next to yours. If I accept more, I’d only be greedy. We can handle ourselves. This is how we’re meant to live, considering we’re orphans.”

“But I’m not complaining,” Grams said softly.

“Doesn’t matter. People will talk. They’ll say I’m leeching off you just because you can afford it.”

“And I said I’m not complaining.” Her voice grew firmer. “Since when did you start caring what people say?”

Silence pressed between them for a moment.

Then Grams leaned in, her voice dropping. “Or is this about what happened with Ryan?”

Tessy scoffed and leaned back in her chair, jaw tightening. She hated that name. Hated how it still clawed at her chest every time it was spoken. Damn him.
“Grams,” she snapped warningly.

“I don’t know what happened between you two,” Grams pressed gently, “but you’ve been keeping your distance ever since. You accept less from me. Why let him have that kind of hold?”

“Grams!” Tessy’s voice rose, sharp with anger. “You know I don’t want to talk about him. Whatever he did doesn’t matter. I don’t care. We’re not friends anymore. That’s it.”

Grams raised both hands slightly, calming her down. “Alright, alright. I won’t push.” She hesitated, then softened her tone. “But listen, I do have something for you. An opportunity.”

Tessy straightened a little, curiosity pushing past her irritation. “What kind of opportunity?”

“I spoke with some people,” Grams began carefully. “There’s a position open. Not charity, not a handout, just work. A maid job. Before you frown…” she lifted a hand, cutting Tessy off, “...hear me out. They already have a head maid. She wants someone trustworthy under her, someone to oversee the basics and keep things in order. You won’t be scrubbing floors all day; there are plenty of servants for that. She just needs someone dependable. Someone like you.”

Tessy frowned. “But why me? If they have so many servants, why add another?”

“Because I trust you. And the head maid needs someone she can trust. That’s all.”

Tessy didn’t reply right away. She chewed on the thought, her fingers fidgeting in her lap.

“The pay is good,” Grams continued, leaning forward. “More than good. About $3,500 a month. Enough to cover everything at home, and still leave plenty for you. You could even start saving for school again.”

Tessy blinked. “That much? For a maid job where I hardly do anything? Sounds like a scam.”

Grams chuckled and waved a dismissive hand. “Please. Do you think I’d let you fall into a scam? These are trusted people. Elites. I know them.”

Tessy gave her a sharp look. “So… you pulled strings?”

“No!” Grams shook her head quickly. “I didn’t. They need a maid. I just made sure your name was considered.”

Tessy exhaled, the weight of it all sinking in.

“And it’s in Haven City,” Grams added gently. “That city is full of opportunities, Tessy. A place where doors can open for you. This could be the beginning of something better.”

Tessy dropped her gaze to her lap, staring at her restless fingers. Haven City. The same place Ryan was. Her chest tightened. But it's a pretty big city. They can never cross paths.

“You don’t have to decide tonight,” Grams said, rising slowly from her chair. “Think about it. Think about how it could change things for you, for all of you. I’ll wait for your answer.”

She turned to leave, but Tessy’s voice caught her at the doorway.
“Are you sure this isn’t about him?” she asked quietly. “Are you sure none of this is tied to him?”

Grams froze, her back still turned. For a heartbeat she didn’t move. Then she turned, a small smile settling on her lips.
“I promise you, Tessy. This is about you. Not him. Just you.”

And with that, she disappeared into the hall, leaving Tessy alone in the dim glow of the night lamp, shadows creeping closer around her.