 He hadn't opened the envelope until he was outside the factory and halfway home. It had felt like a fortune back then, of course. He'd felt so proud when he put the money on the table back home for his rent and food. His mother had ruffled his hair while his father had clapped him on his back proudly. Over the next few years, Jack had slavishly grafted at the factory, making few friends from among his colleagues and pursuing his singular approach to getting the job done.