8: The guest

"Mother, I would like to take a stroll outside to clear my mind on some things, as I said before," Derrick said as he immediately looked away from Miranda. He saw the pain in her eyes and how she had stared at him accusingly.

'What did I do wrong to her?' Derrick wondered as he quickly averted his gaze to his mother.

Miranda quickly informed Lady Loretta, "Ma, I have prepared your tea. Your breakfast is served."

"Good. Derrick, come join me for breakfast first before leaving. Miranda woke up late today, and upon her rudeness last night, she decided to have me starve this morning, forgetting that she had to prepare my tea," Lady Loretta commented as she rose from the couch and strolled ahead to the dining table to have her seat.

Derrick accompanied his mother, gently pulling out a chair for her to sit. He said, "And that's why I told you to fire her. Anything that causes you pain shouldn't be kept close to you."

"Derrick, I would not like to think that is how you fired all your father's