Closing time rolled around, and I wasn’t feeling much better at all. Even though the farewell drinks had initially been my idea, I wanted little more than to go home, open a bottle of wine, and soak in the bath.
“But it’s your last day,” Abigail insisted, standing between me and the door.
Even Kevin looked disappointed. He was always a bit emotional, but the middle-aged man actually looked close to tears. “You’ve been one of my best employees, Celeste,” he said, his voice much quieter than Abi’s. “I was really looking forward to this. Well, not you leaving, but… you know. Being able to wish you well on your next adventure and all that.” At this, he began worrying his hands.
I regretted glancing over at him. Telling him “no” felt like kicking a puppy. A sad, lonely, starving one ripped a
