The sun was announcing another clear day in the south-east of France. Although it was my first visit to the region, the atmosphere gave me a sense of familiarity. It may sound absurd, but when I passed the gate of the estate it was as if I had entered an area completely isolated from the rest of the village not even 3 km away. Curious right? I thought so too, although with all the things happening around me, I didn't give it much importance then. Alas, I would later regret this!

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        -This is the last crate in the truck, where do you want it Mademoiselle Rogueford?

        -Can we help you in any way Mademoiselle Rogueford?

        -Regarding your schedule, if you have a moment Mademoiselle Roguefort.

        People kept revolving around Cynthia, either with a box or paper in their hand, as if she was their sun.

        -That crate goes in the living room; thank you, your help has been more than enough so far; we can talk about the program on the way to the airport, Cynthia answered all the questions.

        How she manages to sort anything in this information chaos is completely beyond me. I assume it comes with the territory when you're the boss of a company? I have no idea, and so I looked confused at what was happening as if I were in another world, which is not far from the truth. I've never lived in a big house, let alone a mansion. Therefore, it goes without saying that such a change of scenery was new to me.

         -Anca, why are you standing there so stiff? Cynthia turned to me.

         In my mind I saw myself as a child called from the corner of the punishment at that moment, and Cynthia as the much-loved teacher who sent me to the corner. I know very well that Cynthia is a good and dedicated person, but the 180 degree change from the imposing boss to the caring friend took me completely by surprise.

         -Well, well I didn't want to be in the way, I'm trying to get myself out.

         -Nonsense, you don't stand in the way of anyone. Go inside to unpack, Cynthia nudged me.

         -I'm going, I'm going, I drag my luggage inside, embarrassed.

         From the outside you can't tell, but once inside the building looks much bigger. The spacious lobby is a connecting point between the left and the right wing of the mansion. In front is a staircase with a descending path and an ascending one, joined upstairs in front of a door. If I think about it, it would be fair to say that there are 2 stairs like in the old palaces, they look better than a single spiral one, the former owner must have preferred the symmetry in favor of the picturesque steps that took you directly to the ballroom.

         -Where are the guest rooms? I wonder, examining the building’s sketch that was given to me when I came here, and without which I would be completely lost now.

         Apparently I have to go up the grand stairs, along with my equally grand suitcase. I can only say that I'm glad I wasn't seen at that moment trying to pull my suitcase up the steps without stumbling. Triumphant in front of the upstairs door I press the doorknob. Closed. The door is closed….of course, what did I expect?

         -Me and my luck, I mumble going down.

         Reaching the ground floor, I grind my brain about the next move. Who should I ask for the key? Is it in an old school box somewhere around here?

         -When did I become so shy? I complain in my own distress as I squeeze the base of my nose, frustrated. 

        Since I'm still here, I might as well look around. With how many people are now on the property one would have thought that the whole building was being remodeled. In reality, the rest of the things that belonged to Cynthia's aunt were moved: clothes, old furniture, some porcelain figurines, etc.

         -Must be nice being rich.

        -Only if it was on your own merit, otherwise you usually end up spoiled, a voice spoke from my right.

        -Oh my gosh! Did I say that out loud? I turned red as a tomato.

        -Nothing wrong with having an opinion.

        The voice apparently belonged to a young man wearing a green garden overalls. Don't get me wrong, I'm not one to talk based on appearance alone, but with that muscular build and attire he's gotta be a gardener or something similar.

        -I take it you're the new housekeeper? the young man asked me.

        -Guess you can call me that, I say in a whispered voice.

        -Pardon? I didn't hear that, the young man apologised. 

        -Oh, yes! Yes, I'm the new housekeeper, my voice came out a liiittle to high.

        -Ah, ok, nice to meet you. My name is Nathanael Plantbelle, I recently took over the gardener job here, he extended his hand for a shake. 

        My interlocutor's face showed concern for my well being. Way to make a first impression on your future colleague dumbass!

        -I'm Anca, Anca Cobrad, I shake his hand.

        -Doesn't sound like you are from France. Is very hard to travel during this period, why choose this place? Nathanael seemed intrigued.

        -You got me there, I'm from Romania, my french might be a bit rusty, and getting here was thanks to Miss Cynthia who offered me the job. What can I say? Now more than ever I needed money, I shrug it off.

        -Indeed, it seems we are both in a pinch, Nathanael agreed. Well, I look forward to working with you Miss Cobrad.

        -Anca is enough thanks.

        -Ok, Anca, see you later. By the way your french is not rusty so don't worry, he walked to the front door after the last remark.

        -Good to know there are other people here beside me, I sigh in relief.

         And let's be honest, I'm not exactly good with plants. Where was I again?

        -Key, key, key. Gotta find the key, I whistle while continuing my exploration.