Maria was in her room, curled up on the bed, trying to get some rest after a draining day at college. Her mind, however, was far from restful. The fight she’d had with Bernard still echoed in her thoughts, making everything in the house feel irritating.
Then came a knock on her door.
She rolled over and ignored it at first. She wasn’t in the mood to see anyone—especially not Bernard. The knocking continued, persistent.
With a frustrated groan, she stood up. If it’s Bernard, she thought angrily, I’m slamming the door in his face. She didn’t bother asking who it was. She yanked the door open—only to find herself staring at the oldest man in the house.
"Forgive the disturbance, ma’am," the man said politely, his eyes avoiding hers as he sensed her irritation. "The boss asked to see you in the living room. Right away."
Maria’s shoulders relaxed slightly. "Alright," she said curtly. "I’ll be there soon."
She closed the door and leaned against it, sighing. What does Beta Gilbert want with me? Is it about the argument with Bernard? Still puzzled, she got dressed and walked to the living room. As soon as she stepped in, she sensed that something wasn’t right.
Beta Gilbert was seated calmly, but something in his demeanor was different. He always had a warm smile, even during tough moments—but now, his expression was cold and unreadable.
Maria sat down on the couch across from him, feeling oddly small in the quiet tension of the room.
"Good evening, sir. You called for me," she said, her voice soft and cautious.
Beta Gilbert looked at her, took off his glasses, cleaned the lenses slowly, and then put them back on.
"Maria... how are you doing?"
The question caught her off guard. She blinked. That wasn’t what she expected.
"I... I’m fine, sir," she replied, though her voice trembled slightly.
Gilbert leaned forward. "Maria, I want an honest answer. How are you really doing?"
She looked down, hesitated, then sighed. "I’m not fine, sir."
He nodded slowly, waiting.
"I had a fight with Bernard. He told me I’ve been ungrateful to you... and to the family. I just wanted to say I’m sorry—for how I’ve acted, for my attitude. I didn’t mean to come off that way, and I regret it."
Her voice cracked slightly as she finished, her eyes still fixed on the floor.
Gilbert sat back in his seat, clearly taken aback. "Jez... Bernard said that to you?" He stood up slowly. "I knew you two had an argument, but I didn’t realize he said something so hurtful."
He walked over and gently placed a hand on her arm.
"Maria, I’m deeply sorry for my son’s behavior. Please forgive him... forgive all of us."
His apology hit her like a wave. She hadn’t expected him to be the one apologizing.
"No, sir. Please, don’t apologize. He only said the truth—even if it hurt. I should be the one apologizing, not you."
Gilbert stood quietly, watching her with a softened gaze.
Then his tone shifted. "Tomorrow, you won’t be going to college."
Maria looked up, startled. "Why?"
"There’s somewhere I need to take you," he said, his voice firm but kind. "After that... you may understand why you shouldn’t be apologizing for anything."