Chapter 6 I Quit
1092 Words
Amber's POV:
Sidney was indeed angry—well, he had every right to be.
Just like Curt said, I needed to apologize to Sidney. After all, it was my actions that made him suffer, and I also owed him a thank-you for helping me secure this job.
I found out from Mabel about Sidney's favorite food. Then, I spent an hour and a half in the kitchen, carefully making an apple pie. I also warmed up some milk, preparing to bring them to Sidney.
When I opened the door, Sidney was sitting by the window.
I knew what he was looking at—probably the neighbor couple again.
Since I had forced the curtains open that day, Sidney seemed to slowly get used to the idea of a room full of sunlight. Maybe that was a good sign.
I carefully walked over to him and said, "Mr. Sidney, your lunch is here."
Sidney didn't respond, nor did he turn around.
I tightened my grip on the tray, took a deep breath, and spoke my mind anyway. "Sir, I shouldn't have hurt you just to complete my task. I'm really sorry for what happened today. I didn't know you'd react like that..."
"If you knew, would you have given up?" Sidney asked coldly.
I was silent for a moment before replying firmly, "No."
Sidney let out a sarcastic laugh.
"But if I had known, at least I would've used a gentler approach, one that wouldn't have made you uncomfortable," I added.
Sidney kept sneering. I knew he didn't believe me, and I had no way to argue. After all, what had happened couldn't be changed, and saying this now was pointless.
"Regardless, I need to apologize. To show how sorry I am, I made you your favorite apple pie..." I said as I walked toward him with the tray.
But before I knew it, he suddenly turned, knocking the tray out of my hands. The beautiful, delicious apple pie tumbled to the ground, and most of the milk was spilled.
A flicker of surprise flashed in his eyes—he clearly hadn't meant for that to happen. But he didn't show any other reaction, just spoke in a flat tone. "An apology is unnecessary. Just keep your distance like Mabel and don't bother me."
I felt a pang seeing the mess on the floor. I knelt down to clean up and then refused his suggestion. "I can't do that. Sereina hired me as your personal caretaker. As long as I'm here, I'll be by your side."
I knew saying this would anger him, but I had to emphasize my job responsibilities.
"I know you're doing all this for money," Sidney said, maneuvering his wheelchair over to the desk, pulling out a wad of cash, and slamming it down. "I have money too. I'll pay you double. From now on, you'll only follow my orders—get out!"
Was he trying to humiliate me with money? So much for my change of heart about him! I clenched my fists, anger bubbling up inside me.
I truly wanted to punch him in the face, but I held back.
The money on the table was a lot—enough to pay off my debt and cover two more months of Curt's treatment.
Ha, how generous!
Nobody would say no to money, and I was no exception. I put down the tray, took the money off the desk, and said, "Alright, sir I'll leave now!"
I stuffed the thick stack of cash into my pocket, turning and leaving as I heard Sidney's mocking laughter behind me.
I knew what he was thinking—that I was just some money-hungry person. Fine, I admit I am. How could someone as privileged as him understand the struggles I face just to get by?
I closed the door behind me and stood there for a few minutes before opening it again.
"Sir, what would you like for lunch? I'll make another." I tried to keep my tone gentle, repeating to myself that he was a patient and that maybe seeing others run and jump freely had put him in a bad mood.
Sidney looked at me, confused and angry. "Why are you back?"
"That money was just enough for me to leave once," I said, smiling in an attempt to lighten the mood.
But it only made Sidney angrier. He took all the money from the drawer and threw it at me. "Take it all—now can you leave for good?!"
He was like a hedgehog, all spines.
I couldn't keep smiling anymore. I dropped the facade, finally deciding I'd had enough.
I walked straight up to him, meeting his eyes. "Mr. Sidney, tell me, if you were in my position, how would you do this job? Shouldn't you complete the tasks assigned by your employer responsibly? Yes, I need money. The reason I'm working here is to make money—is that wrong? I'm my brother's only support. If I don't work hard to earn money, how am I supposed to pay for his treatment?"
I added, "Even though I'm your caretaker, you have no right to humiliate me like this! I'm someone who works hard and strives to live well. I deserve respect, not this treatment! I'd begun to change my view of you. I was grateful that you helped me stay, but your actions today showed me that nothing has changed about you! I've had enough—I quit!"
Sidney stared at me, trying to speak, but I cut him off each time.
I let out everything that had been building up inside me, not caring about his reaction. When I was done, I turned, opened the door, and walked out without looking back.
Then, I returned to my room and began packing my things.
But halfway through, my rationality slowly returned. I realized that I had made a big mistake.
I had already resolved to stay—so why had I ended up quitting?
But the words were already out, and there didn't seem to be any way to take them back.
I sat in my room for a long time, conflicted, wondering if I should say goodbye to Mabel. Suddenly, I heard her hurried footsteps outside the door.
"Amber!" she called, her voice anxious.
I figured she must have heard about what had happened and came to say goodbye. I opened the door, ready to tell her, "Mabel, I'm leaving..."
But Mabel spoke first. "Hurry, Mr. Sidney wants you to make another apple pie!"
- Writer
