My mother had been right about one thing.

I did not understand ordinary life.

What she had been wrong about was believing I could not learn.

PART 18 — MY FIRST JOB AFTER THE WEDDING

I already had a degree.

What I did not have was much work experience.

My parents had expected me to join charitable boards until a suitable marriage emerged.

I refused that future.

A local insurance office hired me for administrative work.

Not glamorous.