I wrote those four facts on a card and kept it in my bag, not to memorize words for a performance, but to remind myself that truth did not have to be dramatic to matter.

PART 17

My landlord sent a notice about the rent I still owed.

By then I was working enough hours at Malcolm’s café to cover my current expenses, but the overdue amount from the weeks after my firing had not vanished.

I sat across from Leila and examined the revised financial offer from Vincent’s legal team.

It separated an unconditional gift from compensation for documented losses and made clear that accepting either would not determine what I said to police.

Leila explained the possible tax and legal implications and suggested I speak with an independent adviser before deciding.