Episode 59: Work Done in the Shadows

“I’ll pay you,” Terry says.

“No.”

“…Beckett—”

“No.”

She sighs.

“You designed three logos, a full brand package, and fixed Damien’s entire mess.”

“…Yes.”

“And you want nothing?”

“…Correct.”

She leans forward.

“…Why?”

I pause.

“…Because you’re family.”

Silence.

“…That’s it?”

“…That’s it.”

Money is irrelevant.

They already have enough.

I already have enough.

This—

is different.

It’s… contribution.

Without expectation.

Without obligation.

Later, I overhear them talking.

“He’s too good for this,” someone says.

“We should at least try to pay him,” another adds.

“…He won’t accept it,” Terry replies.

“…So we make sure he never needs to ask for anything.”

I pretend not to hear.

…That’s acceptable.