I woke up to the soft light filtering through the curtains, my head pounding with the remnants of sleep.

As I stirred, the door creaked open, and Maria entered, her cheerful voice slicing through the fog of my drowsiness.

"Oh, you're finally up," she exclaimed, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.

I sat up slowly, rubbing my eyes to banish the remnants of sleep, from my eyes.

"Good morning," I greeted her, forcing a smile despite the heaviness in my limbs. I had gone to bed late last night after I spent the day watching a movie, and had gone to bed fast.

Since my mother left, I hadn't...