Chapter 138: Maria's New Strength

Like a robot, Maria got off the bed and walked toward the door. Slowly, she turned the heavy doorknob and pulled it ajar. Sophie's worried-stricken face came to her view. The maid was sitting on the ground. Beside her was a plate of the Fisherman's grilled cheese toast. Maria eyed the food and then the older woman. Tears welled up in her eyes again. Immediately, the maid, almost like a mother to her young miss, stepped forward and gently put her arms around the young lady. "There, there, Miss." She gently patted her with motherly affection. Maria sobbed, her voice muffled by the maid's uniform, "It's over… Sophie. It's all over…" Sophie continued patting the delicate, trembling back and spoke in a hushed tone, "Tell me all about it as you eat, Miss. You must be hungry." Quietly, they pulled apart for the maid to pick up the plate of toast then moved, hands around each other's waist, into the room. Once the door closed, Sophie switched on