Chapter (Two Hundred) Fourteen: Raphael

 " Then why do something you hate? Why make yourself miserable?"

There was a thoughtful silence between them, a short pause before Angela said, " It's not that simple. I have responsibilities and taxes breathing down my neck. I can't just put all of them on hold just because I hate my job. I don't have that choice." 

" Everyone has a choice, Angela." 

" No, Ernesto. People like you get all the choices you want. People like me get none. We don't get such luxury." She tried her best to keep her voice calm and her tone leveled but the same couldn't be said for the raw emotions that oozed through every one of her words.

Ernesto could now see how triggering the subject was. He always knew, and honestly never really cared that she wasn't as well off as he was but seeing her react that way made him wonder how awful she had it handed to her.

" Angela, you know that's not what I meant."