Maria smiled in the mirror at her maid's reflection.
“I had a good sleep. Thank you for asking, Sophie."
The maid's hands froze. She stared at the young lady in surprise.
Maria was equally confused. “What is it, Sophie?"
“Y-you never said that to me, Miss."
A chuckle left those rosy lips. “I just want to appreciate you. I have never told you how much of a family you are to me."
Sophie wrapped her arms around Maria's shoulders. “That's the nicest thing anyone has said to me, Miss. Thank you." Smiling like a mother, she straightened and resumed brushing those luscious red locks into a bun.
“I can never tie a bun like you do, Sophie. Please teach me so I can put it up in school. It is very comfortable." Maria turned her cheek left to right and then left to check the finished look.
