Chapter 9: Post-Graduate Work

Commencement traditionally serves many roles. In Elspeth’s case, as in many, it marked the end of formal schooling and the beginning of working life. While Elspeth was comfortably set financially, it would not do to continuously live off of her trust fund. That said, the job search was not the first and highest priority. Other rituals must be served, not least of which were the Family gatherings.

The first and most obvious was the obligatory journey to the family pew at St. Albans. Father Jacob read Elspeth’s name with all the other of the church’s graduates. Afterward was a very plain reception, where Elspeth stood in line to shake hands of people she had not met since confirmation, more than a decade before.

Afterward, was a family dinner in her honor, the menu for which Elspeth had constructed. She chose fish to go with the succotash, squash casserole, and greens salad, in deference to her non-vegan siblings. Elspeth’s enduring memory of the dinner was when her sister asked, “Where’s the beef?” to much amusement. It was exactly the sort of comment Dr. Richards might make.