Chapter 8 - Awakening
Back in the hospital room, Norah woke up rubbing her heavy eyes. She looked around, disoriented, still wearing Jonathan’s oversized suit jacket that swallowed her tiny frame entirely.
The door clicked open, and Jonathan walked in carrying a tray filled with warm pancakes, scrambled eggs, and a large cup of hot cocoa with miniature marshmallows floating on top. Behind him walked a smiling nurse holding a fresh set of clothes for Norah and Lucy.
"Good morning, little worker," Jonathan said with a rare, genuine smile that transformed his ordinarily stern features.
Norah sat up quickly, clutching the jacket around her neck. "Is my mom okay? Are we in trouble?"
"Your mom is resting comfortably, and no, you are not in trouble," Jonathan said, setting the breakfast tray gently on the rolling table in front of her. "In fact, I think we need to talk about a promotion."
Clare, who was awake and listening from the bed, looked up in confusion. "Mr. Caldwell... please, you don't have to mock us."
"I'm not mocking anyone, Clare," Jonathan said, pulling up a chair between mother and daughter. "Starting today, Caldwell Manufacturing is bringing all custodial and facility maintenance operations in-house. No more third-party agencies, no more exploitative quotas, and no more poverty wages. The head of our executive facilities department is retiring next month, Clare, and based on what I saw last night, your work ethic is unmatched. If you want it, the position of Director of Building Operations—with a salary that includes full healthcare, housing assistance, and childcare support—is yours."
May you like
Clare stared at him, her mouth parted in utter disbelief. Tears streamed down her cheeks once more, but this time, they were tears of profound, unbelievable relief.
"I... I don't know what to say," Clare choked out, her hands trembling as she reached out to squeeze Norah’s small shoulder. "Thank you. Oh god, thank you."
