Chapter Three

"You're home. Welcome. How was work today?" Miss Parker said.

"Not well, but it was fine," Esther said, faking a smile.

"Dinner is ready."

"Okay," Esther said.

"I made your favourite for dinner."

A smell drifting from the kitchen drew Esther closer and she said, smiling broadly, "I know what that is! It's pudding with warm vanilla custard!" she said with a smile on her face.

All Miss Parker could think of in her mind was, may the smile on your face never fade. A tear dropped down her face.

"Are you okay, Mom?" 

"Yes, I am, dear. Now sit, let me get you your food."

"Okay," Esther said softly, sitting at the dining table, her hands tapping lightly on the table while she waited.

"Now, go ahead. You'll love it." 

"Hmm…this tastes so nice," Esther said, licking her lips. "I love it. Thanks, Mom." 

"I'm sorry I spoke coldly to you yesterday," Esther said.

"No, it's fine, my dear. I understand. One has to pour out their heart whenever they feel the weight of it. And do not forget who you are — you are stronger than you know, more precious than you realise, and loved far more than words can ever say. Never let anyone or anything make you forget that," Miss Parker said.

"I love you. Thanks, Mom," she said, tears gathering in her eyes.

The room was filled with emotion and for a moment, the whole world seemed to hold its breath.

"Goodnight, Mom…tomorrow is work so I have to wake up early before my grumpy boss fires me on the spot," she said, grinning.

They both laughed and she went to her room, the door closing softly behind her.

"Good morning, Mom," Esther greeted as she walked out of her room to the living room, prepared to leave for work. She looked happier than usual, quietly praying and hoping no one would ruin her day — especially not her grumpy boss.

"Another day to begin with," Esther said as she arrived at work.

"Good morning, Miss Linda," she said, smiling.

"Good morning, Esther," Linda replied, sounding surprised because she had never seen Esther in such a bright mood before. Linda shook her head with a soft smile and walked away.

Esther pressed the button on the wall and the elevator door opened. She stepped in and it opened again on the next floor that led to Smith's office. She walked out, entered Smith's office, and began cleaning — swaying and dancing to a song playing only in her head, lost in her own little world without a care.

The door opened and lo and behold, it was him. Smith Vale. He didn't fume, he didn't get angry or make a move. He simply stood there in a blue tuxedo suit, one hand inside his pocket, leaning against the wall, watching her dance with quiet amusement. A smile crossed his face. Then he made his move — cleared his throat and walked into his office, pretending he had seen nothing.

Esther noticed immediately.

"Mr. Smith, sorry, Sir…I mean, good morning, Sir," she said, shaking.

"Get out," he said in a soft tone.

She quietly left his office, her heart pounding like a drum at the final seconds of a race she desperately didn't want to lose.

He didn't shout at me? Unlike him. She said to herself.

"Hmm…that's unusual of that grumpy man," she murmured, walking down the hallway.

"Get out!" she said jokingly to herself, mimicking her boss's usual words, and then she smiled.

In the office, Smith couldn't shake off what he had seen earlier from his head.

Still smiling. "I've never seen her smile before, and the way she dances…" he said to himself, then caught himself. "No, man. Come off it," he said. "She's not your class or your status. Be focused. She's just a janitor, nothing more," he said to himself again.

To distract himself, he turned to his laptop and began typing, the sound of the keyboard filling the quiet office.