Ah—there goes the last bus for however long, while all of my classmates were on it too. I suppose my stomach, often being disagreeable, finally made itself inconvenient for me, and on the seemingly hottest day of the year. I didn’t really know if that was the case, but I would most definitely begin melting in the next hour or so. Drinking water is an option, thankfully, but it’ll only last if I ration it. 

Figures—I wish I could kill my luck. Instead of coming on this dumb trip, I could be laying down on my bed doing absolutely nothing—comforted by the AC and the freedom to simply not think. And yet, here I was stuck and alone. Not even a single one of them could have spared a moment to wait? Yeah, as if. Who would? It isn’t like I’m particularly close with anyone who was on this trip. No, if anything—

 God! The sweat poured down my face and back, and being next to a lake meant that all of my clothes would start sticking in the next few moments. If there was service out here, I’d just distract myself with TikTok or something, but I can’t even play any of my Gacha games. The cabins were always an option I guess, but then I’d have no idea if any buses show up. Sustaining myself while there anyway would take too much effort, and the beds wouldn’t give me any more motivation. That is, assuming I could even get into the cabins at all, which wasn’t likely. I’m stuck on this bench, with no protection from the sun as for some reason there isn’t a cover at this bus stop. 

“So this is what being a worm is like huh. Maybe if I just think of myself as a worm the time will go by faster.”

“That’s a rather amusing thought.”

“Isn’t it? I—” hold on a moment. Who just said that? I was definitely alone. If someone else was left behind, then they would’ve already been here. Plus, this place is so remote that no one else is coming out here besides kids forced to by adults. That’s the truth of the matter. Thinking otherwise, even in a hopeful manner,  is just delusional, as that’s just the reality of it. 

Why is it then as I turn my head that I do see someone else? Not just a regular someone else either, but an individual who, no matter how you put it, did not belong here. 

It was a maid, or at least, someone cosplaying one. But how were they wearing such an outfit in this weather? Not a single drop of sweat ran down their face, which was the visible portion of their incredibly dark skin—far darker than me, or anyone I’d seen before really—in their attire. The teashades were the only sensible article he, no—she, uh—they had on, but shouldn’t they be boiling hot? Regardless of that, they seemed perfectly fine, and looked straight ahead, as if they were also waiting on something. 

Were… were they also waiting on the bus? Did they miss it like me? No, that’s just impossible. For starters, this person is dressed far too elegantly to come out here just to miss a bus. And further on that thought, even though they’ve only said one thing, they seem far too… What’s the word I’m looking for? Their posture was so proper that it made me self conscious, and I quickly adjusted my leaned over position to be sitting straight up. They’re incredibly tall, and their limbs were long, but in a beautiful fashion. This individual was so strange, yet they were strikingly beautiful.  

I wasn’t short by any metric, but just looking at them gave the impression that they could throw me across the countryside. Though reflecting more on it, that thought may have only come about when seeing the enormous suitcase they held, if you could even call it that. It was fat, but not in a way that implied it was full. It was just a far too massive rectangular prism; I couldn’t imagine any sort of practical use for it.  Being held with ease, I imagined myself being crammed into it and actually fitting snugly inside. Over the time I stared at them, they even adjusted their hair with one hand, continuing to carry the suitcase with the other. There’s just no way this person is real. Maybe it’s just hollow, and is comically large for show. It is probably a cosplayer right? All of this, however, completely skims over the most important question— 

When did they get here?! I didn’t hear a single sound! Not a footstep from their gorgeous shoes upon the concrete or grass, not the swinging of the suitcase, not even the slight wind flowing through their clothes—I didn’t hear anything like that! It’s possible I was simply zoned out that much, but I highly doubt it. 

Staring at them for so long was maybe a bit rude, so I turned my head to face the same way they were, but kept them in my peripheral vision. But really, what do I do here? Do I make small talk? No, that’s lame. This person is way too… different to do something like that right? Maybe they want something like money? Or water! Yes, everyone today wants water, naturally. I mean, honestly, I’d offer my torrent of sweat but— 

Nonononono what are you thinking?! That’s—eugh! Who even thinks things like that? Giving them water from the one bottle I have should be enough. It’d be better to save it for myself, but if they’re bothering to keep me company I think it’s the least I can do. 

“Um, would you like—” I started, before immediately catching the words within my mouth. As I was turning to face them, as one does when beginning to speak to another, I heard a beautiful jingle, and then found myself paralyzed. Instead of gazing into the view of nature beyond the road, they were gazing at me, into my eyes. Even with their eyes being obscured, the weight of their stare made me flush. They still stood straight mind you, they weren’t leaning at all or something weird, yet their gaze finally being directly on me made me feel so impossibly small. Their natural expression is only what I could describe as an ambiguous smile. I was scared to know what they were thinking. I was scared to know how they perceived me. 

Absolute silence. I didn’t hear them breathe at all, or even really see their body move up and down, meanwhile, my breaths would only get heavier. I gulped. Multiple times. I still had to offer water. I started talking, so it’d be rude to just not finish the thought after getting their attention. 

“U—um… Err.. W—would you…. uhhhhh…. water..? Water?? Would you??” What?! I’ve never been this unable to speak before, it’s scary! I don’t get it, why is it so hard to talk to this person?! Just say it! Just say it already!

“My body! Water! Covered in water, would you like some?!”

Huh, I think I should kill myself. This flood of embarrassment is way too much for a human being to handle. I can’t live with this anymore. They don’t even know my name but—

“Master Asha, am I correct?” Nevermind, they know my name. Without any prior meeting, any indication of familiarity with me, somehow—they know my name. They said my name in such a beautiful voice, but knowing my name wasn’t the ludicrous part anymore. 

Master?! Wasn’t it just a cosplay?! They’re seriously calling me Master?? No, no no no this person is not real. I have to be dreaming. Of course! This is just a weird, fever induced nightmare. I need to drink water now.

I reached into my bag and grabbed it. Simple. Simple enough, now I just needed to stop shaking. When did that even start? It’s so annoying! Well, when life gives you lemons I guess. Without any issue, the bottle was opened, yet it turns out that was the issue. As soon as the bottle was open, it erupted out as if it was Mount Vesuvius. Spewing in every direction; waters flooding the ground beneath me. Ah, I was responsible for a city’s destruction, because I can’t stop fucking shaking!! 

I got as much as I could within my mouth, but it was nowhere near enough, it just ended up getting everywhere. It even spilled onto the Maid, on their delicate garments, and even managed to land on their face. Oh my god—what’s wrong with me?! If they didn’t already see me as subhuman, they definitely do now. Can’t I just do anything right? Anything?!

They however, did not flinch an inch. Curling upward, their lips, in fact, albeit only slightly, formed an affectionate smile. Ahhhhh, you cannot do that! That’s too odd! It’s far too strange, which makes it all the more alluring!

Wait a minute. Speaking of the odd, it’s extremely odd that I didn’t notice before. They possessed animalistic anatomy that… didn’t belong to a human being, not that it looks wrong on them per se but—to have those features at all meant you weren’t human at all. Antlers with flora on the top of their head, fluffy gray ears paired alongside them, and a rather massive, fluffy tail adorned with… roses? So then, who, or what is right beside me?!

“Ms. Asha, would you care for some more water?” They suddenly inquired, their gaze still undeterred, their smile still full of affection (and perhaps a little amusement), with their utterly mesmerizing voice.

“S-sure!” I said it so fast I couldn’t even stop myself. Nodding, they proceeded to kneel down, plopping their brick of a suitcase onto the cement and opening it, ever so slightly. They reached inwards, in a rather abnormal way to get something from a suitcase, and pulled out an entire pitcher of water. And somehow without spilling it all, moved it from their suitcase to the bench near me.

“And would you like a glass as well? Or a cup?”

“J-just this is fine thank you.” They did a light bow, and closed their suitcase. Even though it was mainly overshadowed by the click of the locks, I swear I heard the faint sound of wind being like, sealed off. 

Well, even though I asked for water, I wasn’t entirely in the mood to drink it now. Something very strange was occurring after all, and my thirst was the least of my worries. First off though, I had to compose myself just to talk and ask questions. I inhaled and exhaled deeply for about a minute before feeling my nerves come to a state where I could say something without my voice pitching up.

“So… who are you?”

“I am your Maid, Mistress Asha,” they said resolutely. M-mistress?! How many titles are they going to shift through?! It’s like they’re absolutely trying to ruin any sense of composure I’m capable of having! Okay okay, focus. Just, don’t think too hard about it.

“How… How do you know my name?”

“You are my Mistress. It is an obligation for me to know such a thing.”

“Yeah I guess but, why?”

“Why exactly what, Ms. Asha?”

“I mean like, obviously! Why am I your mistress, master, miss, whatever you want to call me!?”

“Because you are.” 

“But that doesn’t make any sense! My family isn’t rich and even if they were, they would never get me a maid. And even besides that, you’re… you’re not normal!” Like a puppy, they tilted their head in what I can only assume was inquisitiveness. I began to regret my choice of words, hoping I didn’t insult them. But, it isn’t like I was wrong!

“What is normal to you, Ms. Asha?”

“Not a situation like this, that’s for sure! Or your appearance for that matter! And the fact you don’t sweat, you don’t breathe, you took out an entire pitcher of water from your suitcase, and the way you… everything! Everything about you isn’t normal!”

“I see, I apologize if my presence has caused you any displeasure,” No! It’s not that at all! God, I’m just blabbing and yapping off my mind without any care. This always happens. Someone does one little thing and I just can’t control myself even when it’s positive. It’s better if I just don’t say anything. If I just kept my mouth shut…

“Do not look so in despair my mistress,” I must’ve become despondent, as I noticed my vision was pointed to the ground. However, as the Maid talked, I finally realized they were now crouched down to be eye level with me. 

“I know your name, but I am ignorant of your circumstances. Do you mind sharing with me why you are here in such blistering heat?” So you can feel how hot it is. Doesn’t change that it’s odd, cause as far as I can tell you’re simply not affected by it at all.

“You want the long or short of it?” I asked, not wanting to waste more of their time.

“All that is to be shared, if you would,” Oh. If they insist, I won’t be able to help myself. Just on hearing those words, I felt my heart swell with a torrent of emotion that needed to be released.

“Well, I was forced to be here for starters. If I actually had a choice of being here or not, I would’ve simply not gone. Like cause, who would want to willingly go on a trip with people who mutually hate you as much as you hate them in an environment that’s just going to make you irritated to exist in? But it was to ‘build character’. To ‘find friends’. To ‘develop a sense of meaning’. And yet! Not a single bit of help. No advice or ideas of how to go about doing any of those things, just go do it. Gotta do it Asha! It’s your responsibility to make us look good! We can’t be ghetto, oh no, we gotta be just like our neighbors. Our beautiful, perfect white neighbors. We have to be as American as possible, or there’s no point to us existing! And now, that’s landed me here. I tried, but like anyone’s gonna believe me. From the get go, none of the girls here had the intention of making friends with me.”

“I was practically locked outside the entire time. Even when I told the teacher, who was the only supervisor, he didn’t believe me one bit. So I just dealt with it. Like, what else am I supposed to do, curl up in a ball and cry? But it wasn’t enough for them. I wasn’t in enough pain probably. You know, being alone far from anyone or anything I care about wasn’t enough. You’d think I have a suitcase or something of my own, but that’s floating endlessly in the lake now. If I tried to carry it back, I’d just drown due to the sheer weight of it exhausting me. It doesn’t matter what’s in there at this point, it’s gone.”

“And you know, they were just so obvious to get a reaction out of me. They wanted aggression, violence; it doesn’t matter if they were hurt. Actually, I do think they’d care If they were really hurt, but I didn’t indulge either way. I hate fighting, but it’s what everyone wants me to do. Maybe I should take the opportunity given to me right now, by God or something else, to just disappear. What good am I if I can’t even be of value to those who barely even perceive me as is. Do you think they even know my name? Ha, probably not right? Probably not, no, haha…” There was a long period of silence after that. There came a point where I wasn’t sure if sweat was simply creeping into my eyes, or if I was genuinely crying. Either way, my eyes sting, and water was streaming down my cheeks faster than I realized.

“Ms. Asha.”

“Yes!” I replied, fixing my posture again after it had declined back to its usual poor state. They suddenly called my name, while looking straightforward. I doubt it sincerely due to my vision being so blurry, but I thought I saw something fall down their cheek with a small glimmer.

“What would you like me to do?” What? What does that even mean? I mean like, there are a lot of things I want you to do. Like so many! But ah— 

Right now I could care less about those things. I’d like to disappear, honestly. But why are they even asking me?

“Why?” They brought their left hand to their chin, pondering for a small moment before beginning to speak again.

“I wish to alleviate the pain within your heart and being. As your maid, that is my purpose in being here. Whatever you should desire, I will grant it to the best of my ability.”

“Like I’d know,” I said coldly. Wishes being granted or things like that don’t interest me. If I’m not doing it, what’s the point? I didn’t achieve anything, and it won’t really fix anything either. 

“I believe you misunderstand Ms. Asha. I do not mean to rid you of said pain, or the source of it. And I will do no such thing. However—’ They would proceed to sit down on the bench, placing the suitcase on the ground, ‘should you want me to sit with you until you are ready to go home for example, I shall commit myself to that course.”

Ah.

To firmly rid myself of the evocative haze my mind just went into, I grabbed the pitcher with way too much force and immediately downed the entirety of it, or at least attempted to before choking barely halfway.

“Please pace yourself madam!” They would pat my back gently, but with enough force to help with air flow. Ah, they were touching me. Now that they were doing so, I felt their presence was closest to, like, a mother’s? Not mine, at least not like how she is now, but what you’d want a mother, or any parent really, to feel like. 

Safe. 

Comforted. 

Loved. 

I had nothing to really indicate this person loved me at all, but their touch made it feel like that.

After the coughing subsided, they handed me a handkerchief to wipe the water away, though I also used it to wipe the abundance of sweat that still laced my body. My clothes were drenched, and I totally lost track of how much time had passed, not like it matters. 

“…Do you think another bus will come? Or that I’ll be picked up at all?” I probably sounded normal, but I couldn’t help but feel the tinge of despair leave my voice. Wouldn’t be so bad to die here really, all alone. But it’s still scary, I’d still have to sit through the night; that awful, terrifying darkness.

“Is that the only way you perceive yourself of reaching home? Would you not attempt to walk?”

“It’s like, over a thousand miles. I’m not doing that. Besides, what’s waiting for me at home? The parents that forced me here in the first place? If I do go back, I’d have come back with nothing of value. If anything I’ve lost them money. I’m just a loss of investment in their long life.”

“The future,” they said, after a small bout of silence.

“Huh?”

“The future waits for you back home. Would you really want it all to end here, when there’s so much you’ve yet to see or experience?”

“Phrases like that piss me off,” I replied sternly. What do you know about that I don’t huh?

“I see. Forgive me,” Ah. That was out of line. 

“No it’s not— I’ve just— ugh. Adults tell me that all the time but it changes nothing. What am I supposed to do with that though, like, seriously? Just feel better suddenly cause things haven’t happened? Just keep waiting? Is that really all I can do? I hate that. I really do.”

“Hm, not necessarily,” They mouthed out “May I?” while motioning towards my hand. I nodded, and they grasped it gently, flipping it over to reveal my palm. They proceeded to place their finger within the middle, and would trace as they resumed talking.

“The future is but a point with endless paths and forks for one to experience. There is no telling of it, nor does one merely have to consign to waiting for it. The future itself, although there are factors one cannot control that determine it, is not inherently uncontrollable.”

“So?”

“So my question to you Ms. Asha, rather than how I initially phrased it, is what would you have me do to help you achieve a future you desire? You are not required to answer me within the immediate moment. Take all the time you need.” 

A future that I desire huh. What do I desire even? What should I desire? 

Happiness? A happy future? What does that even entail? In an idealized world I guess, I’d just want to get away and start over, but that’s not even guaranteed to give me what I want. 

Would a new family be any better? 

Would I have any better friends? 

Would I look forward to going to school? 

I don’t know. That’s what’s horrifying right? You just don’t know anything about the future. Anything can go against what you think, or even what you know. Maybe you can plan for it, but in my case, what would I even plan for? Whatever I want, it’s so nebulous that it’s impossible to account for anything that could possibly happen.

Wait a minute. Wait! Wait just a second! There is something! There is something making me feel a reason to live right this moment that isn’t the water! I stared directly at the Maid, their gaze still on me as they were ever so still.

“I want you to stay with me. Until the day I die,” I said it with full confidence. Is that what being sure of yourself is like? Well, that only lasted for a little while, as we sat in silence. 

Five seconds. 

Ten seconds. 

Fifteen. 

They were completely unmoving, and did not say a word.

Oh no. Oh no oh no ohnoohno—did I screw up?! What if they can’t do that?! I still don’t really know their deal at all, or how they got here! Surely someone like this must have their own life, their own obligations! I can’t just obsessively take them for myself! That’s ridiculous. Everything about this is ridiculous, so is my desire really so ludicrous?! I could feel my face contort, my confidence dying out at a remarkable pace. I can’t keep this up, but if I break eye contact now, that’d be even more embarrassing!  It’s not a competition, but I absolutely have to win this. If I give up now then—

“But of course.”

Huh. Oh. Oh! They answered!

“And are you certain that is what you desire first, foremost, and forever?” Of course it is. How could it not be? Truly, what else is there for me to wish for from you? I don’t see myself living that long anyway, so I won’t keep you here long, promise. 

“Yeah. It is.”

“Then henceforth, as of this moment, I am in your servitude until the day of your passing, and shall remain by your side ever the while unless commanded otherwise.” An odd relief passed through my body, easing the pain that was ever so prominent just moments earlier. Once again, I had no idea of what the future would be like, but with them here, I can at least have the belief that it will be worthwhile. There will be something there that’ll make it all worth it. Maybe I’m selfish and overzealous for needing something this weird just to come to that conclusion, but I’m smiling either way. Though, this heat is definitely becoming unbearable right now.

“Um, do you mind taking me home…? And if not—”

“But of course Ms. Asha,” As they took my hand, a sense of wonder filled my soul like nothing else before. I think if there’s one thing I absolutely adore about this maid, it is their smile.