CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN - ECHOES OF A PROMISE

  The sound of a phone snapping shut echoed in the quiet hallway. Nia quickly busied herself with the supplies, her mind whirling with what she'd overheard. As Barnaby rounded the corner, she offered him a small smile, which he returned weakly before shuffling off to his next task. From that day forward, Nia made it her mission to subtly lighten Barnaby's load. She began volunteering for the heavier tasks, like moving furniture for deep cleaning or hauling large bags of trash. When Barnaby would start to protest, she'd simply smile and say, "I could use the extra workout. Besides, you're much better at detailing than I am. Why don't you take care of the intricate stuff?" During their shifts, Nia made sure to create opportunities for Barnaby to take breaks without drawing attention. She'd ask him to double-check her work in a comfortable, air-conditioned room, or request his advice on a cleaning technique, giving him a chance to sit down and rest. One particularly warm afternoon, Ni