The weekend market buzz with activity. The scent of exotic spices and sizzling meats hung heavy in the air as the market roared to life. A varied crowd strolled between the stalls, their voices mingling. Valerie, charmed by the market, went with Mama Cruz with her earlier tears forgotten.
Turning left, they collided. "I'm so sorry," the woman said. Both helped gather the basket's contents. Mama Cruz recognized her as their hands brushed but a thief snatched her bag before she could react.
"My purse! No! Thief!" she cried, unheard in the market. She chased him, but got tired quickly.
"That boy is fast," she chuckled, watching him vanish. "Ugh, I didn't even apologize," she muttered, rolling her eyes.
At the roadside, a tap made her jump. "Ivan? What are you doing here?" she asked, turning.
"Just groceries. My car's nearby. Let me help."
He took the basket to his car. Later, he drove her home and suggested a meeting place to discuss Kendra.
"Mom, who's Kendra?" Valerie pouted. "She's your older sister," Ivan said.
"No questions, Valeria," he said.
"It's not Valeria, it's Valerie," she corrected him.
"Thanks for the correction, Valerie." They both smiled. "Here," he offered a chocolate.
"Thanks, Mr. Chocolate... Bye!" she waved.
"It's not chocolate, Valerie, it's Ivan," he teased, then got into his car.
"Oops, not Chocolate, but Ivan," she said, surprisingly mature, making Mama Cruz laugh. "Hahaha!" she joined in.
Following the incident at Hansen's house, they tentatively concluded that Sunshine was gradually regaining her memory.
He brought the maidservants back to his house after Lucas returned home for another course.
"Welcome, sir! Welcome, miss!" The maids greeted in unison as they entered. Kiki took the items from Sunshine and brought them to the kitchen.
"You're already here?" Hansen asked.
"Yes, sir. I told them to come immediately after you called. Thank you for the extended leave," Sam, the senior maid, said happily.
"This is Sunshine; she deserves all the respect you are giving me." Hansen introduced her.
"Hi... I'm Sunshine; it's a pleasure to meet you all," she said, smiling warmly.
"Nice to meet you too, miss," they replied. Both went to their respective rooms.
Kiki whispered, "From the looks of it, this mistress seems so loving and caring... her smiles say it all."
"Clap, clap... alright girls, enough of the gossip, get to your assigned work," a voice interrupted. The girls then dispersed to their assigned duties.
She collapsed onto the bed, immediately upon entering her room. "I'm very exhausted," she murmured.
A bright, sunny day arrived, and the workers were given a break to improve their mental well-being and de-stress.
Most of the workers preferred the cafeteria above all other places at HAG. Ivan was seated to the immediate right of the entrance, eating, when Mama Cruz approached with her food.
"Is this seat taken?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Nope, go for it," he grinned.
"Thanks," Mama Cruz smiled.
As they ate, Ivan brought up the issue of his lost friend. Ivan leaned back, a shadow of concern on his face. "So, was Kendra the only missing person in that year?"
Mama Cruz shook her head, her expression grim. "No, Ivan. There were others. All gone. The police are stuck. No witnesses, no leads."
"Do they have suspects?" Ivan asked, his voice low.
Mama Cruz sighed, pushing her plate away. "They suspect foul play. But who, and why? Some say it's a gang, others think it's something more sinister. I don't know what to believe."
Ivan fell silent, lost in thought. He looked at Mama Cruz, then at the cafeteria. The cheerful atmosphere felt distant, tainted by the dark mystery.
"I'll help you find her," Ivan said, his voice filled with determination. "I'll do everything I can."
Ivan's words offered a glimmer of hope, and Mama Cruz's face softened. She accepted the tissue, her eyes still glistening.
"And Valerie? Did you birth her after I left to the states?"
"Valerie... she's a good girl," Mama Cruz said, a hint of a smile gracing her lips. "She's been through so much, but she's strong. And yes, I took her in after... well, after a tragedy. As of now there is no sigh of any of her family member. That's how I came to have her.
Ivan nodded, understanding dawning in his eyes. "It's good that she have you."
The house hummed with activity, the maids' movements a practiced dance. Sam, diligent as always, kept a close eye on the details.
Sam, nearing the library door, almost collided with Lisa.
'Lisa, where were you?' Sam asked, a crease forming on his forehead. 'Everything else is perfect, but the chair napkins are a bit soiled. Could you take care of it?'
Lisa's reply was sharp, 'Yes.'
Sam nodded, offering a tight smile as he continued on his way.
Passing the dining hall, Sam heard laughter spilling from the kitchen. 'Shouldn't dinner be served?' he muttered.
He entered the kitchen and found Sunshine, who shouldn't have been there.
'Miss, you shouldn't be here,' he said.
'Says who, Sam?' she challenged.
'My orders, ma'am.'
'Oh, please, Sam, no need for the formalities. Your boss won't know I'm here unless you tell him.'"
To avoid trouble for Sam, he served the food and left. Soon after, Hanse appeared. 'Is dinner ready?' he asked Kiki, who held a briefcase.'Yes, sir. I'll fetch madam.'
'This tastes different... like Sunshine's, not Lisa's.' He raised an eyebrow.
Sunshine, lost in thought, smiled faintly. 'Does he really know everyone's cooking that well?'"
"He raised an eyebrow, 'Did you?'
'I didn't,' she said, feigning innocence.
'Very well, I trust my girls will not disappoint.' He turned to Sam, 'Fetch them.'
Before Sam could move, she admitted with a disarming smile, 'I did...'
Hanse smiled and left the dining hall, satisfied."
Lucas, haunted by dreams of his sister, fell ill. Every time he closed his eyes, she appeared, urging him to find her.
He lay unconscious for days, tears tracing paths down his cheeks. He refused food and drink, motionless in his bed.
'It been years since you passed away, Why do you keep haunting me? Tell me, what happened? You left without a word... Why?' He spoke to himself, his voice a whisper, the tears flowing freely."
"Doctors failed to revive him, his spirit lost to grief. The native doctor advised finding someone Lucas trusted to speak to him. His spirit would remain restless otherwise, the old lady informed Hansen.
'You should have told me sooner, Muisa,' Hansen warned.
Hansen comforted his cousin as the old lady left.
"'We'll overcome this, Lucas. Open your eyes, and we'll find our niece. She's all we have, you must stay strong so we can care for her.' He held his hand tightly.
Two days later, Hansen left, and Lucas awoke. He was active, strong, and back to his usual self."
"Back at the mansion, Sunshine and the maids were shocked when Hansen told them about Lucas. As soon as Hansen was done talking, they heard him from behind
'Hey, I'm okay now,' Lucas said abruptly from behind wotu a broad smile.
They all turned to face him. His arms were crossed, leaning against the wall.
"'How did you sneak in, Lucas? Hansen just told us about you. Anyway, it's good you're alive! This calls for celebration!' Sunshine ran to embrace him.
Seeing this, Hansen screamed with a strange, creepy tone. 'Enough, Sunshine! Let's go and party...' He separated them. This act got them all laughing."