[Two days later…]
Hera savored a cup of tea in the garden, immersed in the beauty around her while skillfully arranging flowers in the pavilion. Deborah, joining her, disrupted the serene atmosphere.
"You're leaving?" Hera frowned as she looked at Deborah across from her. "Why? Did Frank scold you?"
"Haha. No." Deborah chuckled, shaking her head. "It's not about a scolding. I'm retiring."
The lines on Hera's forehead deepened, assessing Deborah's beautiful face. "Retiring? But you seem too young for that."
"I've been working since I was sixteen, Hera." Deborah breathed out. "Countless odd jobs led me to this point. My life was dedicated to supporting my little sister, especially during her fragile health. Minimum wage wasn't enough, and being deemed 'uneducated' due to my incomplete education made finding stable employment difficult."