Chapter 51

In Chapter 51 of We Solve Murders, Bonnie, a teaching assistant, finds herself in a difficult position at school, where the use of phones is generally discouraged. Though the rule prohibits students and staff from bringing their phones into the classroom, many teachers covertly use theirs during breaks. Feeling as though her position doesn’t allow for such freedom, Bonnie sneaks into a girls’ restroom cubicle to check her phone for updates. It is here that she receives a life-changing email from the “Bookings Committee,” an email that will alter the course of her life in ways she had never imagined.

The email contains an offer for Bonnie to create a three-minute promotional video for an organic paint brand in São Paulo, Brazil. The fee offered for her work is an astounding £20,000, a sum that far exceeds anything she ever thought possible. Bonnie, initially stunned by the offer, rereads the email several times to ensure she hasn’t misunderstood. The magnitude of the opportunity seems too good to be true, especially given her modest lifestyle and the daily struggles she faces. The prospect of such a windfall is overwhelming, and she realizes that this job could completely transform her life, taking her from a teaching assistant to someone involved in a global project.

As she processes the email, a wave of emotion overcomes her, and tears begin to flow uncontrollably. She recalls the friends who had always encouraged her to dream big and pursue opportunities beyond her current limitations. These memories, coupled with her constant battle with “impostor syndrome”—the crippling fear that she isn’t capable of achieving her goals—make her question whether she is truly ready for such a drastic change. Despite these doubts, Bonnie summons the courage to accept the offer, realizing that this is the opportunity she has been waiting for. Though part of her is excited by the promise of a new life, the idea of leaving her current job and colleagues weighs heavily on her, and she wonders how her decision will impact her future.

The narrative explores Bonnie’s inner conflict as she contemplates leaving her role at the school to pursue this remarkable opportunity. Her excitement about the job, coupled with feelings of guilt for potentially abandoning her students, creates a complex emotional situation. She begins to imagine herself in São Paulo, promoting the organic paint brand and using platforms like Instagram to share her new venture. The idea of promoting a product like organic paint, which she hadn’t even realized was a thing, piques her curiosity and opens her eyes to an entirely new industry. The possibility of personal and professional growth excites her, but she also wrestles with the reality of what she might be leaving behind.

Just as she is about to fully immerse herself in the excitement of this new opportunity, a child knocks at the restroom door, urgently needing to use the toilet. Though Bonnie feels a pang of guilt for taking so long, she dismisses the child and relishes the moment, recognizing that she is standing on the precipice of a major life change. As she contemplates what lies ahead, Bonnie imagines shopping for new clothes to fit her new role and wonders what her sister-in-law, Clarissa, will think of her decision. She can already picture the pride and admiration Clarissa will feel when she hears about her new job and the money she’ll make. This day is full of significant personal milestones, and Bonnie knows that nothing will ever be the same again.

Finally, Bonnie reaches out to her mother through a text, expressing her gratitude for the constant support she has received over the years. With the email sent, confirming her acceptance of the job and her curiosity about travel arrangements, Bonnie feels an overwhelming sense of anticipation for the future. She eagerly awaits the details of her trip to Brazil, including the name of the paint brand and the logistics of her travel plans. As she finishes the text and hits send, Bonnie realizes that this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life, one that is full of promise and transformation. Vivid Viral Media Agency has offered her a new path, and Bonnie is ready to embrace it, leaving her old life behind in pursuit of something much bigger.