“A garden cannot grow if it is transplanted every two weeks, Martha,” Evelyn said, offering a small, tight smile. “Stability is the key to recovery. Our standard framework requires a ninety-day commitment.”
I looked down at the third page, where a bold heading caught my eye. The text required an upfront placement deposit of forty thousand dollars, with a clause stating the entire sum would become completely non-refundable after the ninety-day period.
“This is forty thousand dollars,” I said, my voice dropping. “My savings are meant for my retirement years, not for a temporary stay.”
“That is our standard security placement fee,” Evelyn said, her fingers resting lightly on the edge of the desk. “It is completely non-refundable after the ninety-day deadline of December fifteenth, but it guarantees your priority status here.”
“I cannot sign this without talking to David first,” I said. “He knows I am only here until my ankle is strong enough for my garden steps.”
“David has already indicated his approval of our care standards,” Evelyn said, her voice remaining perfectly smooth.
