54

Caraline woke up to the sound of the alarm. She scrambled out of bed, looking at the clock on the table. Seven o'clock in the morning. Light from outside the room seemed to be trapped in a gap in the curtains.

Half an hour later, Caraline was at the dining table. She ate a quiet breakfast. She saw a maid walking towards the kitchen, disappearing when she passed the wall. "Be quiet, Caraline. Don't be foolish enough to follow her."

Caraline focused on her meal. When she finished breakfast, the woman quickly made her way to the backyard. She bumped into Helen who had just come from the front.

"You're early, Helen," Caraline said.

"I slept very well last night," Helen replied.

The two women walked toward the edge of the lake to await Deric's presence.

Caraline looked back at Helen. "But, it looks like you stayed up late last night. I can see the bags under your eyes even though you tried to cover them with makeup. Can't wait for this day to come? Your appearance has also changed a bit."