Chapter 2 - The Unfamiliar WarmthI stepped out of my bedroom,
feeling a strange sense of anticipation,
which was entirely new to me.
For years,
my mornings were dictated by schedules,
endless meetings,
and cold cups of coffee.
Today,
I only wanted to see the little girl in the yellow dress,
and her mother,
who had somehow shattered my lonely world.
I walked down the grand staircase,
my hand trailing along the polished oak railing,
listening for any sign of life.
The mansion,
usually echoing with silence,
now held a different energy.
I found Maria in the dining room,
polishing the silver,
her dark hair tied back tightly.
She looked up when I entered,
her eyes wide,
like a startled deer.
Good morning,
I said softly,
not wanting to frighten her.
Good morning,
Mr. Cole,
she replied,
her voice trembling slightly.
You do not have to call me that,
I told her,
stepping closer to the table.
Ethan is fine,
I added,
hoping to ease her visible tension.
She shook her head,
taking a step back,
clearly uncomfortable with the familiar tone.
I am your employee,
sir,
she murmured,
looking down at the silver spoon in her hand.
I wanted to tell her she was more than that,
but I knew it was too soon.
Where is Lily,
I asked instead,
changing the subject to safe territory.
She is in the playroom,
sir,
drawing pictures with those expensive crayons.
I smiled,
remembering the crooked purple horse,
which still sat on my desk.
I think I will go say hello,
I said,
turning away before she could protest.
The playroom was bright,
flooded with morning sunlight,
and Lily was exactly where Maria said.
She was lying on her stomach,
kicking her little feet in the air,
completely absorbed in her artwork.
When she heard my footsteps,
she rolled over,
her honey-colored eyes lighting up instantly.
Efan,
she cheered,
scrambling to her feet,
and running toward me with open arms.
I caught her easily,
lifting her high into the air,
marveling at how light she was.
What are you drawing today,
little one,
I asked,
setting her back down gently.
A big house,
she declared,
pointing at the paper scattered on the rug.
It is this house,
she explained,
May you like
grabbing my hand,
and pulling me down to the floor.
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