1,402 views
A HOUSEKEEPER ARRIVES AT THE MANOR: SEEING HER PHOTO IN A BLACK FRAME AND STAYS PARALYZED... The sun rises slowly over the small village of Saint-Martin, enveloping the red-tiled roofs in a golden light. The first rays of dawn filter through the half-open shutters of the modest house where Maëlle lives. She is already up, her hands immersed in the cold water of the sink. The sound of the dishes she is cleaning echoes softly in the cramped kitchen. Maëlle, a young woman of twenty-three, is wearing an old faded cotton dress, practical for her many daily tasks. Before leaving, she glances through the half-open door of her mother, Suzanne's, bedroom. The woman is sleeping peacefully, although her face is marked by fatigue and illness. On a small bedside table, medicines and a glass of water bear witness to the daily challenges Maëlle faces in taking care of herself. “Rest, Mom,” she whispers before silently leaving. The village streets are still quiet at this early hour. A light mist floats over the surrounding fields, and the song of birds accompanies Maëlle’s steps as she heads to the bus stop. In her hand, she holds a notebook in which she has written down the day’s tasks. Between the usual “clean the floors,” “clean the windows,” and “buy medicine,” a new note catches her eye: “mission to the big house.” She rereads these words with a mixture of excitement and curiosity.