"Oh my dear, can you help me pick it up?" The voice was weak and frail, coming from an old man standing behind the guard booth. Yuna smiled kindly and bent down to pick up the pen. She handed it over to the old man, who took it with a grateful smile.
"Oh, thank you," he said, his eyes shining with appreciation. Yuna replied with a warm smile, feeling a sense of kindness wash over her.
"Could you do me a favor, child? Could you help me fill this out?" The old man requested, his eyes clouded with a hint of frustration.
"I'm having trouble reading the small print without my glasses, and I seem to have left them at home." He held out the visitors' logbook, his hands trembling slightly.
Yuna's heart went out to the elderly man, and she took the pen from him without hesitation.
"There's no need for the explanation, I'll gladly help" she said with a warm smile.
As she began filling in the necessary information, her eyes wandered across the page, scanning the various entries. That's when she saw it - Kaida Tran.
Her gaze lingered on the name, her mind racing with questions. She continued scanning the page until she reached the space intended for relationship, and her eyes widened in surprise.
The word "Housekeeper" was written neatly in the space, contradicting the guard's earlier statement that Kaida was her caretaker.
Yuna's eyes remained fixed on the word, her mind reeling with confusion and guilt. She had misjudged Kaida.
The realization hit her like a ton of bricks, and she felt a wave of regret wash over her. She had been so quick to judge, so quick to assume the worst. Now, she felt ashamed of her behavior, adding to the guilt she felt earlier.
"Dear, the time is 17:09," the old man said, glancing at his watch and interrupting Yuna's thoughts. She quickly snapped back to reality and filled in the time and other necessary spaces for the old man, before handing over the pen so he could sign.
"Thank you, dear," the old man said, his eyes shining with appreciation as he signed the book.
Just then, the security guard returned to his booth, apologizing for the wait. "No worries" the old man replied with a wave of his hand.
Turning to Yuna, he said, "Thank you again, dear. This body just doesn't function as it used to, you know?" He smiled at her, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"No problem, sir." Yuna responded formally
But the old man insisted "Oh, please, call me Grandpa Alfred. I've taken a liking to you, you know"
Yuna agreed without hesitation "Okay, Grandpa Alfred."
The old man's face lit up with a warm smile. "Ah, Yuna, what a befitting name for such a fine young lady!" He let out a hearty chuckle, his eyes twinkling with delight.
Yuna's mind piqued with wonder 'How did he know my name?' But then, her eyes drifted down to the student ID dangling from her neck, and understanding dawned. 'Ah, he must have seen it on my ID' she thought, feeling a mix of amusement at the simple explanation.
Yuna smiled, a sense of warmth exuded from the old man.
Just as Grandpa Alfred was about to ask her another question, a male voice shouted from inside "Grandpa!"
The old man's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed, "Ah, that must be my grandson"
"Grandpa!" the male voice called out, getting closer as he quickened his pace.
The high school student, Grandpa Alfred's grandson, was visibly out of breath, his chest heaving with exertion. His worried eyes fixed on his grandfather, seemingly oblivious to Yuna's presence.
"I told you to stay at home," the grandson said, a hint of exasperation in his tone.
Grandpa Alfred, however, was undeterred. "What do you expect me to do? You always come home late, I was worried you wouldn't eat dinner again," he chided, his voice laced with concern.