fired.
The company’s revenue had declined in recent months, several employees had already been let go, and I was the only person in my family with a steady income.
My mother lived with me. My younger brother was still in school. If I lost my job, I had no idea what I would do.
At four o’clock on Friday, Richard came downstairs. He was not even wearing a tie.
“Let’s go.”
“Where?”
“Not far.”
Ten minutes later, we arrived at a small park. We walked to a bench. Richard sat down. I remained standing.
“Sit down, Emily.”
“Mr. Bennett, if you’re going to fire me, please just say it.”
He looked at me silently for a moment.
Then he said,
“Fine. As of today, you no longer work for me.”
My heart dropped. Even though I had expected those words, hearing them was completely different.
“Can I ask why?”
“Because
