Just then, from the nearby bedroom, Madame Helene emerged. Her face was less weary, and the dark circles beneath her eyes finally faded, though a shadow of tiredness lingered. And her mood was not still good. Her hand was cut off! How could she feel well?
Aunt Everin sprang from her chair and rushed to Madame Helene, her brows furrowed in concern. "You should have stayed in bed a little longer," she scolded gently, though her voice was laced with love.
Madame Helene shook her head, a weary smile tugging at her lips. "I tried, but I couldn't. There's too much to do."
She lowered herself onto the sofa next to Aunt Everin, her eyes softening as she turned to Gloria. A sudden warmth filled the room, a tender beam of light in the midst of the conversation's heaviness.
