Leaving the basement behind, I gently closed the door, allowing the thick layer of silence to once again envelop the hidden chamber. As I ascended the stairs, my thoughts were consumed by the sight of Paul lying there in the dim light, finally at rest. The weight of the past, the choices made, and the pain inflicted loomed heavily over me. I had offered him a moment of solace, but the echoes of the past would not be silenced so easily.
Outside, I found the maid, still dozing on her vigil. I hesitated, not wanting to awaken her, but my presence had its intended effect.
"Hey, wake up... Hey."
She stirred, her eyes opening with the heavy cloud of sleep still hanging over her.
"Ma'am, are you okay?" She inquired, her voice laced with concern.
