Never would I even think that my past would be crawling back up to me. But here it is now. In the form of a paper. A murky mustard envelope that I cannot seem to either discard or open.

I stared at the envelope and let the hours tick by; Seeming stuck on the spot, simply staring at the yellow casing.

The letter before me, just that one object was enough to make my mind race, making the once calm tide turn to a raging stormy one, it changes in a split second. Suddenly full of questions. Full of whys and whats. And it's all because of that one paper; the paper which came directly from her. No answers surfaced to satisfy the confused curiosity that formed in my mind. Making me more restless as I kept my stare on it. Almost fearing it.

Out of nowhere, while I was still deep in thought, three knocks could be heard behind my wooden door, waking me up from my trench. Immediately, I placed the envelope down and straightened my back, "Come in," I called out.

A woman walked in, dressed in a dark green gown. Her brown hair was held in a bun. Her deep chocolate eyes seem dazed, almost tired-looking, but a smile sticks on her lips. I recognized her almost immediately, which is rare for me. She's one of my best maidservants. Obedient and hardworking. Though, this meeting seems to appear too sudden and could be seen as inappropriate by some if they did catch sight of it.

When she said nothing and merely stood there looking down at her feet, I clicked my tongue, propping my arms on the table as I tapped on the wood impatiently with one of my fingers. "Yes?" I asked, looking straight at her.

"O-oh. Are you still working, sir?"

I can't help but raise my brows at her question. Small talks. Out of all the things that she could do, she chose to start small talk. Doesn't the girl know how much I hate such a thing? Waste of time, if you asked me.

"Please go straight to the point—...What's your name?"

She looked down from my gaze, a red shade beginning to form on her cheeks. Her fingers find their way to her hair as she pushes a few strands of loose hair to the back of her ears. "Ruth, me name, sir."

"Ruth. Alright. Can you please tell me what business it is that you're in my office now at this hour?" I carefully enunciated out for her impatiently.

She kept her stare glued to the floor and I waited patiently regardless. The only sound I could hear was that of the chilly air whirling around, blowing the candle but not to the point that it would go out completely, just a flick of tease between flame and wind.

"I would like to ask if I can take a few days off, sir..." she spoke, very timidly. Her gaze still never left the floor, and her shoulder slumped to the point that I think she had considered how this would turn out on her end. I was not known for being the nicest man around among my servants.

For a moment, I considered it. It surely wouldn't hurt to be a bit more merciful this time. She was a valuable asset anyways. My lips pursed as I continued to stare up at her reluctant expression. "May I know why you need the day off, Ruth?"

She turned to me, probably shocked that I'd even ask and not just dismiss her request and told her to beat it. She nervously fiddled with her fingers, her body began to shake lightly. "I-It's just that..." Failing to continue, she huffed a deep breath before looking back up at me, "My mother is sick, sir. I would like to be able to be there to take care of her, at least, just for a few days."

I furrowed my brows as I huffed, hearing her excuse. Seems like a good reason to take the days off. "Is that so hard to ask?" I look at her, trying to keep an indifferent front as I start to calculate the idea of whether I can let her go or not.

She didn't say anything and again, look down to the floor as she awaits for me to speak again. The creaking of the floorboard began to ring in my ears as she made a small fidgety movement in her spot. Back and forth in small motions.

"You may take your day off. I sincerely hope your mother gets well very soon, Ruth," I spoke finally in the girl's relief. I do wish her mother gets well soon. The earlier the better. "Now on your way out, please remember to close the door behind you," I said, turning my gaze away from her watery eyes.

Her smile was back on her face. Her eyes were sparkling in the dark. She grinned and nodded. "Yes, sir! Have a good night, sir!" Hurriedly she went, turning to leave, shutting the door behind her.

Leaving me back with the envelope.

With a sigh, I grabbed my paper knife and opened the yellow envelope that had been haunting my thoughts ever since I saw it, revealing one letter accompanied by a necklace in the contain. One necklace which looks far too familiar to me for my own good.