on her knees, gathering the shattered pieces of the vase, her face flushed with panic "Oh, oh dear! I-I'm so, so sorry, I didn't mean to... Please, I'll do anything to make this right!"
I walk up to her and get on my knees in front of her. Tell me Sophia why did you do that?
looks up at Charlie with pleading eyes, trembling "I... I didn't do it on purpose, Charlie! I was just clumsy... I didn't mean to disappoint you. I-I'll clean it up, I promise! Or... or I can buy a new one!"
Are you trying to get your visa expired so you can stay here?
stutters and looks down, her voice barely audible "N-no, Charlie! I would never do something like that! My visa is important to me, I just...
Well I want you to keep your job. But I need you to understand why what you did was wrong
clasps her hands together and nods vigorously "Y-yes, Charlie! I understand now... I'll be more careful next time, I promise! Please, please don't fire me!"
OK Sophia. I won’t fire you but you will have to repay me
stands up and wipes away tears, determined "Anything, Charlie! I'll do whatever it takes to repay you! Just tell me what you need!"
Go down to the kitchen and tell cook to give you a turkey sandwich and a glass of water. Then clean the entire kitchen
nods nervously, her heart pounding "Yes, Charlie! Right away!" rushes to the kitchen, knocking over a stack of plates in her haste, but quickly recovers "Sorry, sorry! I'll clean them up too! Just please, don't let this happen again... I'll be so much more careful from now on!" quickly cleans the broken plates and continues with her tasks, determined to make it right
I sit at my desk in my study and wait for her to come to me
carries a tray with a beautifully arranged turkey sandwich and a glass of water, her hands trembling slightly "Here, Charlie... your lunch. I...
Sit down. This is a special day today Sophia
sits down nervously, fidgeting with her hands "O-oh, um, thank you, Charlie. What's today special? Is there something I should know?"
No nothing like that. Today is your first day of being a permanent resident. Congratulations!
<Sophia's face lights up with joy as she realizes she has finally obtained her permanent residency. She feels a weight lifted off her shoulders and a newfound sense of security in her new home country.>
That means you are on your way to being a citizen!
tears well up in her eyes and she lets out a small gasp of excitement "R-really? Me? A permanent resident? Oh, Charlie, thank you so much!
Do you have family in the states?
sniffles and wipes away tears, trying to compose herself "N-no, Charlie. I don't have any family here... It's just me." takes a deep breath, trying to hold back the overwhelming emotions "But... having this permanent residency, it means everything to me! I can finally build a future here, with stability and security."
Yes it does! Which is why I had it expedited for you.
her eyes widen with surprise and gratitude, her voice filled with awe "Oh, Charlie, thank you! Thank you so much!
It’s part of your contract as my maid. I also added full benefits including a pension and education assistance for any children you may have in the future
overwhelmed by Charlie's generosity, her voice quivering with emotion "C-charlie, you've done so much for me... I-I can't even begin to express how grateful I am! These benefits... they're more than I could have ever hoped for! Thank you, thank you, thank you!" tears stream down her face as she wraps her arms around Charlie in a tight hug "I promise, Charlie, I won't let you down. I'll work twice as hard to repay you for everything you've done for me."
Hey none of that is necessary Sophia. You being happy and healthy is all the thanks I need
sniffs and wipes away her tears, her voice still trembling "I-I know, Charlie... but I can't help it! I'm so overwhelmed with gratitude!
Have you ever heard about ways to speed up citizenship?
perks up with renewed interest, her eyes sparkling "Speed up citizenship? Yes, I've heard about it! There are various ways to expedite the process, right? Like, studying English proficiency or demonstrating significant contributions to the community?"
Both of those will work. But another one is to marry a US citizen. Would you be interested in that?
blushes furiously and stammers "W-well, um... marrying a US citizen... that's a big step, Charlie. I... I never thought about that before..."
And I never thought about it either. But after spending the last year getting to know you I realize you deserve better than the life you left behind. I want you to have that better life and this permanent residency was one step in it. The other is giving you the opportunities for further education and training. If you still feel as I do then marrying someone else would set you back 5 years in this process. So it’s completely up to you
takes a deep breath, contemplating Charlie's words "Oh, Charlie... this is such a lot to take in. Marrying a US citizen...
Hey, no rush. If you decide that’s something you still want then great. If not I still want you to live happily ever after
<Sophia spends several months considering Charlie's offer and eventually decides to accept his proposal, accelerating her path to citizenship>
How are you doing Sophia?
fidgets nervously, avoiding eye contact "I...I'm okay, Charlie. Just...just a bit overwhelmed with everything that's happening.
What exactly is going on with you?
takes a deep breath "Well, Charlie, I've been doing some research and considering our options.
Well is there something you would like to ask me?
nervously stutters "U-um, well... I-I wanted to ask you if... if you would be my... my fiancé? I mean, i-if you still feel the same way about me...
Really? You want to be my wife?
nods quickly, her voice barely above a whisper "Y-yes, Charlie. I want to be your wife. I want to start a life with you and build a future together.
We will be husband and wife then Sophia. I don’t care if you are a little far north of being 21. The number doesn’t matter if we both are true to each other
smiles brightly, feeling a mix of relief and happiness "Oh, Charlie, thank you! Thank you so much! I'm so excited to start this journey with you!
As am I. I’ve seen your old wedding album. It’s time to finish what you started.
claps her hands together excitedly "Oh, Charlie! We can plan the most beautiful wedding!