rm, and Louise could hardly keep up with the maid's hurried pace. As they arrived in the attic, she caught a glimpse of a room at the end of the hallway. It was smal

tiny room, treated like a servant. Is it a crime to be black? She didn't understand. As Louise continued to sob on her bed, there was a knock on the door. A middle-aged woman, a maid who looked similar to Lou

. I know it's hard, but you must be strong," th

wailed between sobs, her voice barely audible. The woman hesitate

"Some people just do not understand the beauty of having different colours in this w

disappeared when I was very young. So, I grew up here and I know what it is like to feel lost and alone." The woman drew a deep breath, trying to steady

ve one," she asked softly, as she c

changed into something more comfortable. We cannot have you looking a mess, can we?" Amina helped Louise to her feet, guiding her towards a

was terrified and confused by the events that had transpired. On the other, Amina's kindness and understanding made her feel a tiny bit better. She changed into the clean clothe

t she had a natural talent for it. Amina was a patient teacher, always encouraging and praising Louise's efforts. They spent their breaks sitting by the window, sharing stories about

her heart swelling with happiness. She quickly dried her hands an

Abigail does not like us being together." She leaned in close and whispered, "I have

re." She hesitated, not sure how much to share with her sister. "But there has this maid nam

nd to you?" she whispered; her tone laced with disbelief. "She has always be

w what people are going through until you walk a mile in their shoes." She paused, thinking about Amina's own experiences

only bring you down. Besides, what do you know about her? She is just a servant, after all." Sh

d, her voice trembling with anger. "If she is just a

ndescension. "You don't belong here with them." She glanced over at the other servants, who were a

Now you are just like her. You are so caught up in all this," she gestured vaguely aroun

en. They turned to see Aunt Abigail walking towards them with an

.. I wanted to make sure... that she was alright." She

bigail growled, her voice menacing. "You are not supposed to

you, people like you do not belong here. So, I suggest you do as you are told,

a knife. She looked at Lucy hoping she would defend her, but her sister only hung her h

by the venom in her aunt's voice. Everyone gasped at her boldness. Ev

imes, but no words came out. It was clear that she was taken aback by Louise's defiance. Finally, she regained her

hock. Tears streamed down Louise's cheeks as she clutched her stinging cheek. "How dare you speak to me that way!" Aunt Abigail hissed. "You wil

tears streaming down her fa

h known that he was away, fighting for the crown, but they had never expected him to actually die. A lump formed in Louise's throat as she tried to process t

Come, Lucy. We have better things to do than associate with

nt Abigail's and Lucy's backs as they disappeared down the hallway. They were gone, leaving her alone in the kitchen with the other maids staring at her in shock. Then Amina ran into the kitche

a child. They knew that Aunt Abigail would likely take her anger out on them as well if they didn't keep quiet. Louise continued to cry, feeling