The Count's Strange Guest (6)
- This is impossible.
“But we have to do something.”
I wondered what Ethan would consider an attempt to make amends, but nothing came to mind. "Show me you're trying." How to prove that he is trying? This is a very difficult task.
Should he show that he eats well, gets enough sleep, and dresses himself? If Ethan doesn't accept this as an attempt, there won't be any point in it. You need to show your efforts in such a way that he clearly understands... Some kind of nonsense.
“I can’t do anything because I’m blind.”
- No, there is definitely a way out. Oh!
I clapped my hands. Why didn't I think of this right away? There is a way. Ethan already said what needs to be done.
- It will work.
- What?
Vincent looked at me as if I had come up with some nonsense. I turned to him and laughed happily.
- Whatever you are planning, it is impossible.
- Maybe. Here you go.
I reached out and touched him. But he didn't budge. I had to push him lightly. “Come on.” Vincent hesitantly extended his hand and flinched as soon as he touched my fingertips.
He continued to reach out and touched my palm. I squeezed his hand tightly, afraid that he would pull away again.
- It's okay, I'll hold you.
Ethan talked about trying to fix the situation. I don't really know what would help, but there's a simple way to go. I used a hint that Ethan said in the office when we made the bet.
"If you can get Vincent to take even one step out of the room, then I will grant your wish."
That's why he wants to see Vincent in person. He wants to make sure that Vincent leaves his room on his own, without outside help. Just like before I lost my sight.
I know it's not easy.
That's why I helped Vincent now, calming and comforting him.
I took a step back. Vincent didn't move. I took another step, but he only jerked his upper body forward. I had to take another step, and then another. He lowered his eyes and finally slid off the bed.
The sound of his steps was loud, like the sound of a trumpet.
– Slowly, step by step, like a child taking his first steps.
- Don't exaggerate.
He looked scared even after taking one step.
Vincent hesitated for a moment and took the next step with a determined face. I followed him and stepped back, pushing aside anything that could get in his way.
- Yes, you are doing a good job.
- Because my legs are still with me.
- And yet.
He took another hesitant step, and soon, step by step, he reached the door.
– See, it's not that difficult, right? - I said.
– Don't treat me like a child.
Stubborn. I know that you are afraid.
He squeezed my hand so tightly that my fingers began to tingle. But I know how much courage he had to put in to go through so much. His room was very large, and it was quite a distance from the bed to the door. For me it is such a huge distance, but for him it was a long journey.
– You did well.
– This time I agree with you. Can I go back now?
- I think yes.
In response to my answer, Vincent reluctantly turns around, looking very irritated. But for some reason he freezes in place and does not move. It feels like he doesn't know where to go.
-Your bed is on that side.
I take his hand and direct it in the right direction, but he doesn’t budge.
- What's happened?
- I can't.
“You did so well before this.”
- It's because you supported me. And now, look, I can’t even take a step without you.
The confidence disappeared from his face. He looked like a lost child. Vincent was clearly bigger than me. He is a big man, but in my eyes he still looks like a child.
That's how bad his current condition was.
- Mister. In some ways I agree with Christopher. You can't go on living like this forever. I was hired knowing your condition from the start, but is it okay to keep everyone else in the dark for that long? What about those who know you?
Rumors will spread before it reaches the master's ears. What if a servant working on the estate sneaks in and accidentally sees Vincent? Or will one of the annex workers be the first to start rumors? Then people will start trying to find out the truth.
– There will come a time when everyone will know about your condition. And even then you will remain in your room like this?
- …Fine. I realized, stop pestering me.
– If you understand this, then I am calm.
“You talk too much for a maid.”
He ran his hand over his face and groaned. I took his hand and led him to the bed, and then led him back to the door.
After two or three more times, Vincent seemed to understand what was happening. His steps became a little more confident. Then I decided to change the conditions.
- From now on, I will let go of your hand halfway.
- What?
- Don't worry too much. You'll just have to just keep going.
Turning his stiff body, I directed Vincent towards the door. Then I took his hand again and led him forward. His steps were heavier than before.
- I can't do this.
- You can. So, am I letting go of your hand?
-Wait, don't let go yet.
He quickly waved his hands. I stepped back, looking around. When we were halfway through the room, I asked again:
- Can I do it now?
- Not yet.
I walked a little further and asked again:
- And now?
- Not yet.
“How much longer are you going to say no? We've almost reached the door."
- I'm letting go.
- Wait.
I relax my hand to let him go, but he grabs me again. I look back and say:
-You have to let go.
- No!
I snatched his hand away and quickly stepped back.
He stopped immediately. Vincent was shaking with anxiety. He waved his hands in front of him. His face tensed when he realized I wasn't there.
I told him to keep walking, but he quickly became disoriented and looked around anxiously. I took two steps, deliberately stomping loudly.
- This way, sir.
-Where, where are you?
- Where this sound comes from.
He turned his head following my voice. But it was difficult for him to continue moving.
- Just go, sir.
- I can't.
“You haven’t taken a single step yet.”
– But I can’t!
- You can. Your legs are still with you.
I extended both hands, beckoning him to come to me. He still hesitated. He only needed to muster up the courage to take one step.
The wait was prolonged. Vincent couldn't make up his mind. He continued to hesitate, licking his dry lips.
I waited patiently for him to continue walking confidently. Vincent must deal with this on his own.
- Don't worry. If you fall, I will catch you.
To do this, I tensed my legs so as to be ready for a swift rush at any moment.
Vincent remained silent, and the longer he hesitated, the more nervous I became, fearing that he would actually give up.
But at that moment he took a step.
Then another one, and another. He began to slowly approach. I deliberately stomped my feet on the floor.
Top - top - top.
And she stepped back.
- Yes, that's it.
I quickly ran across the threshold of the room and waited for him. He walked carefully towards me, determining the direction by the sound of my steps.
I extended my arms in front of me and leaned forward slightly so that I could catch him at any moment. My gaze was focused on Vincent.
He walked carefully and soon reached the door.
There was only one step left.
- The door is right in front of you.
He extended his hand towards me. His large upper body leaned forward, and I reached out to meet him. But at that moment he stepped on something that I forgot to remove from the floor and slipped.
Vincent staggered. I was about to take a step towards him, when suddenly he raised his face and his clear emerald eyes looked at me. As if he knew I was there, Vincent reached out to me.
"Don't move." “That’s what he seemed to want to say.” I stopped myself and stayed in place.
He quickly planted his other foot to steady himself and then took another shaky step forward. The big hand reached out to me again. I stood there with my hands outstretched to him. He hit the doorway, but left the room.
I rushed to him and hugged him.
- Master!
His knees buckled as soon as he was in my arms. I barely had time to catch him before he collapsed on the floor, his nose buried in my shoulder. There was a knock, and then I was overtaken by a searing pain in my thigh.
But now it didn't matter. The warmth of his body in my arms came first.
- Ha-a, ha-a...
His uneven breathing sounded near my ear. Beads of sweat appeared on his neck. Vincent grabbed my back with his hand, and the trembling in it, the tension in his body was transmitted to me. And then I realized that he walked out the door on his own.
A surge of emotions came over me. I sniffled and patted him on the back.
- You're great! You did it!
I whispered these words over and over, trying to calm him down. Vincent buried his face in my shoulder and fell silent, catching his breath. His golden hair touched my cheek. It was ticklish, but I pressed myself against his hair, understanding what he was feeling now, and could not move.
We stayed like that for a long time.