Chapter 41: Laundry Day Confessions

Ovelia's POV

The moment the front door clicked shut behind Ace and the others, the house seemed to exhale. Warm water sloshed in the basin as Ann and I scrubbed the breakfast dishes, our elbows bumping companionably. Mrs. Melinda hummed a quiet tune beside us, her capable hands moving with practiced ease as she rinsed each plate under the tap.

Sunlight streamed through the kitchen window, catching the soap bubbles and making them shimmer like tiny rainbows. I ran my cloth along the curve of a ceramic bowl, watching the water droplets chase each other across its floral pattern. The rhythmic clink of dishes and splash of water created a soothing cadence.

"Mrs. Melinda," I asked, carefully drying a glass that caught the light like crystal, "where might I wash our clothes later?" The question came out softer than I intended, almost shy.