Chapter 22

Five days after the old man’s death, we hold his funeral. Ivan hired a few additional help for the kitchen and the cleaning of the mansion. The three sons left early in the morning to attend church and then the cemetery. By the time they came back with the guests, I have already prepared food and drinks with the other staff members. It’s a gloomy day really, perfect for a funeral. I look out the window and feel kind of void from within. I wouldn’t describe it as sadness but just exhaustion, maybe. I’ve been up early and there’s a great chance that I won’t get to rest until very late tonight. I pick up a tray of appetizers and march toward the living room where all the guests are. There are two other servants with me. We’re all wearing black uniforms to match the general aesthetic but if I had it my way, I would wear something bright. The old man’s death doesn’t affect me in the slightest and when I enter the living room, I find that the people in there are far less concerned. They hold