his power.
But she had also seen the moments nobody else noticed.
The moments when he stared at the same window long after sunset.
The moments when his untouched meals sat nearby because he had lost interest in eating alone.
The moments when his wheelchair reminded him of everything his body could no longer do, even though everyone around him pretended not to notice.
She never made him feel like a problem to solve.
That was what made her different.
She simply cared.
At first, he convinced himself that he was only grateful. A person in his position had to be careful. He had spent decades learning that kindness could come with a hidden price. People often wanted access, opportunities, favors, or approval.
He knew how to read business deals.
He knew how to recognize negotiations.
But he did not know how to accept simple compassion.
The maid never asked
