Elena

A lady appears from my left side and smiles, “Mrs Dumont, welcome to your new home. I am Ilse and am in charge of the help here in the villa. Please follow me.” She says and motions to the stairs. Ilse looked to be in her mid-50s, she was short and stocky and had her salt and pepper hair tied back in a bun. She wore half-moon spectacles and had a warm, motherly air about her.

“Thank you, Ilse,” I tell her as we walk up the stairs. She looks back at me with warm eyes and nods, “You are welcome, ma’am.” She says and we continue to walk...