I waited for some minutes to confirm that she was indeed fast asleep, then I closed my laptop and kept it aside. Tatiana was not a light sleeper, unlike Charlotte. Once she had fallen asleep she could not be awoken until the next day. I kissed her on the forehead to make sure. There was no response.

     I found Emile wiping down the kitchen drowsily. “The kitchen is not your only station, you know". I said to her. 

     She started, then turned around, her eyes were puffy. “The housekeeper said it is". She yawned and tossed the rag she was holding aside. My housekeeper was a sour old man even...