"Dear Ayu, open the door!" Auntie Sum's hurried voice came from outside.
"What's wrong, Auntie?" I asked worriedly.
"The Young Master is coming home tonight. He gave us such short notice. Auntie needs you to clean his room. He'll arrive at eight. Auntie is going to the market this afternoon, the one at the end of the alley, to buy ingredients for cooking. I'm sorry, dear. Auntie needs your help." I nodded and immediately set about cleaning the house.
Even though Auntie Sum had only asked me to tidy the Young Master's room, it didn't feel right to leave the rest of the house untouched.
I started by cleaning the Master's room, changing the bedsheets and curtains, mopping the floor, and wiping away every speck of dust that might still be clinging to something. Auntie Sum had said the Young Master didn't like anything in the room rearranged. So I only tidied it.
After finishing the Young Master's room, I straightened up the other areas. Luckily, the house only had one floor, so cleaning it didn't require any extra effort.
Even though it was only one story, the house was absolutely stunning. After passing through the gate, your eyes were treated to a lush garden, a fishpond, a fountain, and brightly colored flowers. It was enough to put anyone in a better mood.
The living room was arranged so elegantly. Apparently, the master of the house had a talent for coordinating colors, from the furniture and walls to the mosquito nets.
Past the living room was a mini pantry with a refrigerator, a stove, and other kitchenware. It was probably used to make drinks or light snacks, since Auntie Sum always cooked in the kitchen at the back.
Beside it were my room and the Young Master's room, facing each other. There were actually two more rooms next door, but I didn't know who they belonged to. I'd never seen Auntie Sum clean them. Maybe they were guest rooms, or perhaps rooms belonging to the Master's late parents.
This house really was special. It wasn't as large as a palace, but it was magnificent. If it were rented out as a villa, it would definitely be popular. Wait, there I go again. Always thinking about money.
Auntie Sum and Mr. Ali returned with an enormous amount of groceries. How many days was the Young Master going to be staying? I wondered to myself.
"I'll help, Auntie. What are we making? I'll sort everything for you." I took the groceries from Auntie Sum's hands to lighten her load a little.
"When the Master eats, everything has to be complete. From appetizers to dessert." I gaped at her. Wow. What kind of upbringing had this man had? Everything had to be perfect.
I continued helping Auntie Sum cook. Every now and then, jokes passed between the three of us, followed by bright bursts of laughter. I felt incredibly lucky to have met strangers who were kinder to me than family.
At last, all the dishes were neatly arranged on the dining table. This time, Auntie Sum set everything up beside the swimming pool to make the atmosphere feel fresher, since she thought the Master must be exhausted after his countless activities.
My heart pounded wildly. I knew I was only a stranger looking for a place to take shelter. A thousand worries overwhelmed me. What if the owner of the house wanted something else from me? What if he wanted me to leave his house? Maybe I should just go.
"Ayu, the Master is here. Come on, hurry outside. We have to welcome him." Auntie Sum spoke from behind the door, half out of breath.
"Yes, Auntie. Just a second." I hurried out of my room after straightening my clothes.
With my heart feeling as if it were about to leap out of my chest, I stood beside Auntie Sum. My body went rigid, and the pounding in my chest grew louder and louder.
A metallic-black car glided in through the gate. If I had known how to disappear, I would have done it right then.
"Relax. The Master is a good man. Before Auntie brought you here, Auntie already got his permission." Auntie Sum seemed to understand my anxiety.
A moment later, Mr. Ali got out of the car and walked around to the other side to open the door. The thin man had picked the Master up at the airport after evening prayers.
I kept my head bowed, anxiety completely taking over my thoughts. My heart began pumping faster and faster as the Young Master's feet appeared from the car.
"Peace be upon you, Master."
"And peace be upon you," he replied flatly. Then he stood directly in front of us. I didn't dare lift my face even a little. Fear had completely taken over me.
"Is she the one you told me about on the phone?" His baritone made the pounding in my chest grow even more frantic.
"I—I, yes, Master."
Auntie had said the Master was a good man. So why couldn't I even answer a question without stammering?
I had to face whatever the truth was.