It was past early morning and the lady hasn’t arrived yet. Strange, she would have already come and brought breakfast if this was any other day. Her stomach gurgled. Was it that late already? She rose from bed and glanced at the window. An inch’s space would be fine, right? She looked back and there standing by the door was the Signor. Since when has he been there?

Sal scrambled for a proper greeting, “ G-good day.”

The Signor remained tight-lipped as he roamed a few paces around the room. “ When I was your age, I woke up before the sun rose. “

At each moment the Signor stayed in the room inspecting her things, Sal would shout. He has barely been here before, and even the lady came for business and left.

“ The lady was late, I guess.”

“Excuses, I see. “ he muttered.” Do not rely on the lady, she will not be here for you today, or the days that will follow. “

Sal was at a loss for words. Does that mean she will stay in here alone for the rest of her life like a prisoner in a dungeon from the stories? And the Signor’s face will be the only soul she will see for the next years of her life? No. No.

At the sound of the door closing, Sal’s legs gave out. Then, she scrambled to check her things. Her notebook was missing from its spot on the table, nor it was in her hiding places.

For the next few days, all her needs were answered through a bell. Food was left on the hallway outside her door. Boredom has seemed to be the thing that will keep her going. It was the Signor's voice that briefly wakes her.

But he was present, at last. It must have been funny that Sal can still see Ren. He was the gallant prince saving a damsel. The little peace she has is slipping away. No carriage has stopped in the house for the pat days.It came one day. Upon her window, she can see a tall gentleman with his back to her. He was in every inch, a comely gentleman, except for he was holding a cane. Like the Signor.

When the gentleman shot a look at the Casa, Sal's heart sank. It was Oleon leaving for the University. He said he wanted to see her. He said he wanted to stay. Why cannot he do it?

Even just for her? He seemed to say goodbye as he trudged, almost limped towards the carriage. Oleon resembled the Signor, too much.

If she could jump out of that window and fly she would, but she cannot.

“Sorry,” Sal muttered Ren’s words to herself.