Hundred and seven

AALIYAH.

I open Nanny Mellissa’s room to find her quietly sitting on the bed, repetitively fondling her dress. The fluorescent bulb is switched off and the curtain is let down, leaving the room almost completely dark.

"Mel, I only heard from the other maids that you are back, truth be told, I wanted to debunk it but then again I couldn't.” I stop to let her explain herself.

She looks up at me but is still quiet. Like I’m a stranger.

“Mellissa?” I find myself on the verge of yelling. Everything seems off.

I feel so sad that I heard the news from the other workers. And to think that she's acting up... I puff. Perhaps it's just me making a mountain out of a molehill.

"What's the problem? Are you okay?” I take a calmer approach. I can only pray silently to the moon that her mama is okay and nothing is out of control.

“Good day, lady Aaliyah.” She bows to greet. Her voice is more like a whisper.

I hesitate, not happy at all, and still careful enough to not blow things out of proport