The narrator begins by recounting his job as a school janitor, a role he took great pride in despite its lack of prestige. He found purpose in maintaining the school environment for students and teachers, believing his work quietly contributed to others’ well-being.
However, his wife didn’t share that perspective. Embarrassed by his job, she would deflect questions about his profession at social events and avoided acknowledging the nature of his work. Though the narrator tried to ignore the pain, her silence weighed heavily on him.
