PANDORA

Chapter 9

Pearl, Pearl, Pearl!" Terry called, shaking her gently out of her trance. "Let's go inside."

Still dazed, Pearl asked, "Terry, how do you know about a place like this?"

He grinned. "I'm the janitor."

"Oh wow, that's nice," Pearl replied, surprised.

Terry led her around, introducing her to a few people. "It's time to see Madam Rita," he said. "She's the one in charge of employment. If anything happens, and you come across the Master, make sure not to look at her face." Terry's voice was unusually cautious.

"The Master? What is this, the Master's mansion?" Pearl asked in awe.

"Uh huh. Magnificent, right? Madam Rita should be here by now," Terry replied.

"Is that her?" Pearl asked, pointing to a red-haired, chubby woman walking toward them.

"Yes, yes, that's her," Terry confirmed.

"Ah, Terry! I haven't seen you at all today," the woman greeted warmly. "Who do you have with you?"

Terry introduced Pearl. "Madam Rita, this is Pearl. She's here for the job vacancy."

"Oh, we won't be needing a cleaner again-" Madam Rita began, but Terry quickly interrupted, "Wait, why? Do you...

Madam Rita sighed. "Master said she would not be needing a cleaner again. Her room is hardly used, so there's no need for one anymore."

"But Madam Rita," Terry pressed, "isn't there any other vacancy in the mansion? Pearl really needs this job."

"Please, ma'am, I truly need it," Pearl added desperately, her voice trembling.

Madam Rita studied Pearl carefully. Something in the girl's eyes-her exhaustion, her desperation-softened her heart. "You really do look like you need this job," she said at last. "Alright, let's see if we can squeeze you in somewhere. But the pay won't be as high as the job you came for."

"Oh, thank you so much, ma'am. I appreciate it," Pearl said gratefully.

"Follow me," Madam Rita instructed.

Pearl mouthed a quick "thank you" to Terry as she hurried after Rita.

Madam Rita led her to the stables. Inside were horses of every kind-black, brown, even a few magnificent white ones.

"You'll be taking care of the horses," Madam Rita explained firmly. "Make sure they are well-fed and clean. You'll close in the evenings, and don't you dare come late to work. If you do, you'll face consequences for lateness." With that, she turned and walked out.

Pearl stood frozen for a moment, her heart sinking. She whispered under her breath, "Oh God, please help me."