Chapter 31. The Transformation
Maria returned home later that day, only to be greeted by the emptiness of the house. The only person present was the maid.
She had been eager to recount the harrowing experience from college to Bernard and his parents, but her disappointment was immediate—none of them were home.
Exhausted from the chaotic day, hunger gnawed at her stomach, yet the urge to wash away the day’s stress took priority. She headed straight to her room, undressed, and stepped into the cold embrace of the shower.
The water was refreshing, soothing every muscle, washing away not just dirt, but anxiety. When she stepped out, she felt renewed.
She dressed up quickly, intending to head to the kitchen. Just as she was about to leave her room, she heard the familiar sound of Bernard’s car pulling into the compound. Her heart lifted a little. At last, she could speak to him.
The moment he walked in, his face revealed it all—Bernard was in a foul mood. His expression was enough to put Maria’s enthusiasm on hold. She sat quietly on the couch facing the entrance to the living room, greeting him as he stepped in.
"Welcome, Bernard," she said gently.
"Thanks. How are you, Maria?" Bernard replied, barely glancing at her.
His distant demeanor stung. She chose not to respond further. Bernard noticed the silence.
"Why aren’t you talking anymore? You seem like you’ve got something to say," he asked, finally giving her his attention.
Maria hesitated. The concern in his voice pushed her to open up. "I didn’t want to burden you... but I feel like you should know what happened to me earlier today."