Viona lay down on the bed. She thought Elkan had really left. In fact, the man was still standing in the corner of the room, watching Viona rest.
Elkan had been in that room for hours without making the slightest sound. Around noon, a servant returned to bring her food. And just as before, Elkan continued watching her in silence. By late afternoon, Viona was starting to get bored in her room.
Slowly, she climbed out of bed, grabbed her white cane, and walked toward the door. Elkan followed behind her. Viona walked carefully, tapping her cane along the way.
As she descended the stairs, Elkan walked slowly beside her.
When they reached the living room, she called for a servant.
“Auntie! Auntie!”
“Yes, Miss,” the servant replied.
“Auntie, I want to go to the backyard. Which way is it?” she asked.
“Oh... Miss Viona, go left, then exit through the back door.”
“Oh, okay. Thank you.”
“Miss Viona, would you like me to escort you?” the servant asked.
“No need. I can do it myself,” she replied a little sharply.
The servant could only stare at Elkan, who was silently following Viona from behind. Moving carefully, Viona finally reached the backyard garden. She walked slowly, searching for one of the benches there.
After a great deal of effort, Viona finally found a bench. She sat down and enjoyed the afternoon air in the garden. Although her eyes could no longer see, she could imagine how beautiful the garden behind the house was.
Elkan stood not far from her, watching Viona with a guilty look in his eyes. So determined was he not to let Viona know he was there that he seemed to be holding his breath.
Viona sat there for a little over two hours. After that, she got up to return to her room. She walked slowly, using her cane to find her way.
However, Viona chose the wrong direction on the way back. She headed toward the swimming pool. Elkan wanted desperately to pull her back, but he was afraid Viona would be furious. In the end, Elkan walked fairly close behind her.
When she reached the edge of the swimming pool, Viona realized she had gone the wrong way. She turned around, but somehow her foot slipped, causing her body to stagger. Elkan tried to catch her, but he was too late.
Viona plunged into the pool. Elkan jumped in after her to help, knowing that she couldn't swim.
“Help!” Viona screamed when she managed to break the surface.
Elkan quickly grabbed her and carried her out. Viona was still gasping for breath after swallowing some pool water. Not wanting anything to happen to her, Elkan picked her up again.
“Ah... who are you?” Viona cried.
Elkan didn't answer. He continued carrying Viona inside.
“What happened to Miss Viona, sir?” one of the servants in the house asked.
“She fell into the pool,” Elkan answered.
That was when Viona realized Elkan was still watching over her.
“Put me down, Elkan!” Viona shouted.
“No, Miss. Your clothes are soaked, so you need to change immediately or you'll catch a chill.”
Viona continued struggling. She even struck Elkan's chest, trying to make him put her down. But Elkan kept carrying her upstairs and didn't set her down until they reached the bathroom.
“Miss, please change your clothes at once. Otherwise, you'll catch a chill.”
“SHUT UP! I know what I need to do. Now get out! Don't you dare stay if you don't leave!”
“Yes, Miss. I know my boundaries.” Elkan immediately left the bathroom.
Elkan closed the bathroom door behind him. But Viona still wasn't sure he had really left. To make certain, she called for him.
“Elkan!”
“Yes, Miss! What is it?” Elkan shouted from outside the bathroom.
“Nothing. I just wanted to make sure you weren't here while I changed.”
“No, Miss. I would never do anything inappropriate. I know my boundaries, Miss,” Elkan replied, raising his voice slightly.