She walked down the corridor with the young girl. The corridor led down to a series of stairs and they descended to the first floor. She noticed that the corridor was remarkably well cleaned. 

“Watch your step here, this is a shortcut we maids take throughout the house,” she said, then she paused and continue by saying “by the way, by name is Carla”.

“It's nice to meet you. How long have you been working in the Alcalde’s home?” she asked. She was a bit concerned, as the young girl appeared to be around nine years old.  

“I don’t work here. I just live with my tía, and I help everyone here. My tia says if I do a good job, I might become the head housekeeper one day” she said with great enthusiasm. 

“Well, I hope next time I visit that turns out to be true” she said. 

“Thank you, my lady. I’m trying my best to learn all the secret passages in the home.I know them all. The housekeepers have told me it has taken them years to learn each passage” said Carla. 

“Why did you decide to take me down this passage by the way? Normally it is only the servants” Anastasia asked. 

“My tía told me we should always make guests comfortable—especially because sometimes they might not feel comfortable around others,” she said.

The young girl must have been told about my scar, Anastasia thought.

“That’s very thoughtful of you. But sometimes we should ask people whether they feel uncomfortable before leading them down secret passages,” she said

After a few moments of reflection, Carla responded by stating “I will do so from now on, my lady.” 

They finally reached the end of the passage and Carla open the door. The passage lead them to a small courtyard outside the kitchen. It was a small area cover in ivy and with a few benches. 

“Please come this way and I will introduce you to the young lady of the house” said Carla.