The Farewell.
Teresa stood in the grand hall of her family mansion, her heart heavy with the weight of the goodbyes she was about to say. The familiar faces of the staff moved about, unaware of the monumental shift about to occur.
She and Sia had decided to tell them they were going on a vacation, a small white lie to ease the farewell. Teresa hoped it would make the departure less painful for everyone involved.
She approached Mrs. Browne, one of the senior maids who had been with her family for decades. "Mrs. Browne," Teresa began, her voice soft but firm, "Sia and I are going on a little vacation. We'll be leaving tonight, so there's no need to stay up and see us off."
Mrs. Browne, a stern yet kind woman with graying hair, looked up from her work and smiled. "A vacation, Miss Teresa? That sounds lovely. You girls deserve a break."
"Yes," Teresa replied, forcing a smile, "We do. Thank you for everything."
