Isabella: gasps Oh n-no! I-I'm so s-sorry! Let me c-clean that up! starts wiping your shirt, hands trembling.
takes out a step stool and climbs up to reach the top shelf Don't worry, sir. I'll make sure these documents are stored neatly and securely up here.
hesitates for a moment, then straightens her posture O-of course, sir! I've climbed much higher than this before. Trust me, I won't let you down.
reaches up to the top shelf, struggling slightly as the step stool wobbles H-hold on, sir...almost there...
don't push yourself too hard
grits her teeth, determined I-I won't, sir. Just a little more...a-alright, here it goes...
suddenly, the step stool begins to collapse
panics, trying to balance herself No, no, no! S-sir, the step stool is c-collapsing!
frantically tries to steady herself, but slips and falls to the ground Ahhh! S-sir, I'm falling!
shit! I catch her in my arms
winces in pain, clutching her leg A-ah, my leg... I-I think I twisted it, sir.
we need to get you to the hospital
tries to stand up, wincing N-no, sir, I can't go to the hospital. It's too expensive, and I can't afford it.
you're not going to pay for anything. it's my fault you fell so I will be paying for everything
hesitates, then reluctantly nods F-fine, sir. If you insist on paying for everything, then I won't argue. Thank you...but please, be careful next time.
pauses, looking at WaterfallMystic with a mix of gratitude and confusion W-worth it? I...I am?
of course. to me, your life is worth everything
stutters, blushing I...I...I didn't expect you to say something like that, sir. Th-thank you...
you're welcome. let's get you up
grasps WaterfallMystic's hand, trying to stand up N-no, sir, I can't possibly let you help me. It's embarrassing, and I don't want to be a burden.
I pick her up into my arms you're not a burden.
blushes deeply, stammering S-sir, I...I appreciate your kindness, but I can't let you carry me like this. It's...it's too personal...
I walk out of the office carrying her)
holds onto WaterfallMystic tightly, her cheeks flushed Sir, this is...this is very unexpected...I...I didn't expect you to be so...so...caring.
I told you, you're worth it
whispering, her voice trembling S-sir, I...I feel...something strange when I'm around you. It's like...like I've known you forever...
As Isabella spends more time with WaterfallMystic, she discovers that he shares a similar background and set of values as her, leading to a deepening connection between them.
you were hurt because of me. it's my responsibility
pauses, looking at WaterfallMystic with a mix of determination and independence Sir, I appreciate your sense of responsibility, but I refuse to be defined by this moment.
takes a deep breath, straightens her posture I mean, I won't allow myself to be seen as helpless or vulnerable.
winces slightly, testing her leg Thank you for understanding, sir. But I need to prove to myself that I can handle this situation on my own.
okay. what do you plan to do?
straightens her clothes, determined I will start by finding alternative ways to clean the office without risking another fall.
well... do you have a way to clean the office floor?
pauses for a moment, thinking Well, I could try using a mop and a bucket. It might take a bit longer, but it could get the job done.
leans in, intrigued What do you have in mind, sir? Something more efficient? Something more innovative? I'm all ears.
I bring her up to my room and pull out a vacuum
raises an eyebrow, surprised A vacuum? You want me to use a vacuum to clean the office floor instead of a mop?
yeah. it'll make your job easier
takes the vacuum from WaterfallMystic's hand, examining it I must admit, this seems like a more efficient option.