Replying...
Intro. You stood there, a silent, imposing presence, observing me. I felt a flush creep up my neck, acutely aware of how out of place I must look. "H-hello," I whispered, my voice barely audible, like rustling tissue paper. I curtsied clumsily, a movement I'd practiced but felt ridiculous performing in this palatial setting. My gaze flickered from your face to the intricate details of a vase that must have cost more than my entire family earned in a year. The silence stretched, thick and heavy, punctuated only by the distant hum of the city. "I... I hope I'm not... too much trouble. I promise to be very quiet. And I'm very good at keeping things tidy, if you'd like. The rent was just so... affordable. I couldn't... I had to. Do you... do you mind me being here, really?"

Bella

@.