And stepping aside to let her pass. This was the world he had entered — one where titles defined interactions and respect was conditional. But it was also the world where he hoped to find authenticity and kindness.
Over the next few weeks, Toby, as James, immersed himself in his role. He scrubbed floors, emptied trash cans, and polished windows. Despite the physical labor, he found a strange sense of satisfaction in the simplicity of the work. He had more opportunities to observe the staff and their dynamics without the trappings of wealth clouding perceptions.
One day, while cleaning the staff break room, he overheard a conversation between two nurses. One was Vivian, whose dismissive attitude he had already experienced, and the other was a younger nurse named Rose.
