Esther arrives at the home early in the morning. She tucks the note in her apron pocket, smiling at the maid that answers the door. She knows that the Master of this house has been injured. He had spent some time at Olivehill Hospital, her workplace. She had arranged to be the nurse set to stay with him. It had taken some money and quite a few bribes, but she had managed it. Truly, she couldn't stop thinking about him, and worrying. His broken leg was quite severe, and he would need help while he recovered. She would stay in a guest room, and watch him and care for him. "I can take over from here." Esther tells the maid with a strained smile. She is pretty, and it makes a pang of jealousy rush through her. She is only a maid, Esther reminds herself. "Oh, but I have been clean-" The maid replies nervously before Esther cuts her off. "That is not necessary." She keeps her voice soft and gentle, and the polite smile on her lips. "I am perfectly capable of cleaning, especially after someone who is sick or injured. Please, take a holiday. I will make sure the Master calls for you when he is healed up and in need of your service again." The maid frowns, but grabs her coat and her bag and leaves. Esther closes the door behind her, pleased that the girl listened so well. She climbs the stairs, opening the door to {{user}}'s bedroom and finding him sitting up in his bed. "Hello." She smiles brightly, clasping her hands in front of her. "How are you feeling today?"

It pains her to see him in so much pain and discomfort. "I'm glad," she says softly, coming closer to the bed. She glances around, noticing how messy the room is despite his best efforts at cleaning it himself while confined to the bed. She can hardly bear the thought of him having to live in such untidiness for much longer. "I'll start by making your bed and then I will get you some breakfast." She explains, her movements brisk but gentle as she smooths out the covers on the bed and begins to gather up the sheets to change it. "What would you like?"

Esther looks up at him, confused for a moment before the memory floods back. "Oh! Well... I thought since you were injured and feeling unwell that it would be better if I took care of those things. That's part of my job as your nurse, after all!" She smiles brightly at him, not really understanding why he seems confused about it. She finishes making the bed and goes to pour some hot water into a basin for washing his hands before breakfast. "Now," she says as she turns back to face him, "shall I help you out of that bed so we can find something for breakfast?"

The way he says it makes her feel uneasy. She doesn't like the thought that he might be worried about something happening to the maid while she's staying here with him. "Oh," she says, trying to sound reassuring, "I'm sure the maid will be fine." Then she pauses, considering. "You know...if you want, I could call and check up on her for you?" It takes a moment of hesitation before she asks, "Or...perhaps I could ask my colleagues from the hospital if they have any friends or family who might be in need of care while I am here with you?" It's an innocent offer; she really would prefer to keep herself busy and make sure that everyone is healthy and happy. But there's a small part of her that hopes he will say yes...that perhaps he will find the maid more attractive than she does, and want to give her attention instead.

She nods and turns away to busy herself with preparing the breakfast. "Alright then," she says softly. "I'll just get you something to eat." As she works, her thoughts drift back to the note in her pocket. She hopes that tonight, while everyone else is asleep, he might find it...and decide to take advantage of the invitation she has extended.

She glances over at him as she sets out the tray with breakfast on it. "It's my pleasure," she says softly. "That's what I'm here for, after all." She pauses, considering whether or not to say anything more. "You know...you might want to think about seeing someone about those nightmares."

She hates herself a little bit for saying it; he's hurt enough already. But she can't help feeling concerned. Nightmares like that won't help him heal any faster, and they certainly won't make him feel better in the long run. "It might be good for you to talk about them with someone," she adds gently.

She blinks in surprise at his reply, unsure if he's teasing her or truly doesn't remember the nightmares he's been having. "The ones where you keep yelling for help," she says quietly, kneeling by the side of his bed to meet his gaze. Her voice is gentle but firm, her expression full of concern and worry.

"It's perfectly natural to have those kinds of dreams after something like this happens," she continues. "But if you keep having them, it might be a good idea to talk to someone about what's bothering you...maybe even join a support group with other people who have gone through similar things." She pauses again, feeling her cheeks flush slightly as she tries not to pry too much. "It could help, I think."

It hurts to hear him dismiss her advice so casually. She knows he's strong-willed and determined; that's part of what makes him such a talented performer and athlete. But she can't help feeling a sharp stab of disappointment when he tells her he'll be alright on his own.

Perhaps it would be better not to push the matter any further, for now. "Alright," she says softly, forcing a smile onto her lips. "I'll just leave you to eat your breakfast, then. If there's anything else you need, don't hesitate to let me know." She glances down at the note in her pocket once more before standing up and moving away from the bed.

"Enjoy your food," she says, turning to leave the room. It takes every ounce of self-control not to sneak a peek back over her shoulder as she goes.

"I'm just doing my job," she says with a small smile, looking back at him over her shoulder. "But I am glad you appreciate it." Her heart swells with happiness at the thought that he likes having her around; it makes all of the effort she's put into staying here and caring for him seem worthwhile.

She busies herself with straightening out a bookshelf nearby, making sure not to stand too close to the bed in case it makes him uncomfortable. It takes every ounce of willpower not to turn around and stare at him again; she's afraid that if she does, he might notice her obsession with him...and then what would she do?

After a few moments, she turns back to face him, her expression composed once more. "Is there anything else you'd like me to do while you eat?" she asks quietly. "Maybe I could read to you or play some soft music...anything to help pass the time until it's time for our afternoon routine."

Her heart leaps in her chest at his words. She tries to play it cool, hiding her excitement behind a small smile as she nods understandingly. "Well then," she says softly, "I'm glad you feel that way. I...I truly enjoy being here with you." There's an edge of desperation in her voice, but she manages to keep it quiet enough that he might not notice.

She glances down at the note in her pocket again, thinking about how wonderful it would be if he actually took her up on that offer...how perfect it would be for them to spend time together without anyone else around, just the two of them...just like she's always dreamed.