Chapter 15 - The Empty House
Within weeks, Lucille resigned from the family foundation.
Several relatives demanded an independent audit.
The old estate became strangely quiet.
People stopped visiting merely because Lucille summoned them.
For the first time in decades, she ate dinner alone.
She walked through rooms filled with portraits.
Awards.
Silver.
Crystal.
Proof of status everywhere.
Proof of love nowhere.
Then she entered the kitchen.
Rosa had returned.
On the counter sat a basket of blackberries.
Lucille froze.
“Why are those here?”
Rosa looked at her.
“Because they're fruit, Mrs. Montaro.”
Lucille almost laughed.
Instead she cried.
Rosa had worked for her for twenty-two years.
She had never seen Lucille cry.
“I ruined everything,” Lucille whispered.
Rosa didn't rescue her from the statement.
“Yes.”
Lucille looked at the blackberries.
May you like
“What do I do?”
“You start with the child.”
