The next day Ethan insisted on taking the day off and being with me as I went to work to gather my things. Someone from work had called earlier letting me know that Mr. Pierce would appreciate it if I came in before noon as he’d be out of the office all morning. That bothered me, but I knew I had to accept it. I’d hurt him and he wasn’t in any shape to see me. Ethan still insisted on being with me in case he ended up arriving early.
We arrived with a few boxes in hand and got straight to work. I couldn’t stop the tears as it hit me that this was really happening. I’d spent the last three years of my life dedicating myself to Pierce Homes and its projects and now it was over. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it through the day, knowing I’d never be back here again.
Ethan stopped me from what I was doing a few times and just held me. He knew how important my job had been to me and knew this would shatter me. I let him hold me as I bawled, releasing all of the pain and sorrow I felt. Once the tears from this round dried up, we finished getting all of my things and I took one last look around.
Paul’s office door was shut and while I had no desire to see it one last time, I couldn’t help but go over to it and brush my hand along the door. I had so many memories in there, some good, some bad. I knew I would always hold a special place in my heart for Paul, but it was time to let him go.
I felt a steely resolve build in my system and I turned around, ready to leave. Ethan picked up a box and asked, “Are you ready, babe?” I looked around one last time, then nodded. Picking up the other box, I said, “Yes, let’s get out of here.”
We walked out and some people gave me strange looks, obviously wondering what I was doing. I didn’t tell anyone I was leaving for good, I couldn’t deal with the attention it would bring.
Ethan took me back home and helped me go through everything in the boxes. I kept a few things I knew I’d want to remember, but most of it was junked or recycled. The tears flowed as I gave one last toss of the things I wasn’t keeping, and I turned and fell into Ethan’s arms.
“Shh, it’s okay. You did the right thing,” he told me as he rubbed my hair down my back. I nodded into his chest, acknowledging that I agreed. I was mourning the loss of my job with Pierce Homes, but I knew I’d be okay. Ethan and I were starting new adventures together and I was ready. In fact, I couldn’t wait.