Pearl

Clem

I nod and watch him go before sighing and taking a deep breath.

Eli

I head back to my room and take the picture of my parents out from my pocket, leaning against the door after locking it behind me. I won't fail you guys. I won't lose this fight.

Clem

I head to my room and yawn, plopping in bed.

Eli

I slip it away and flip through a notebook, lying in bed. I scan over what I have to do again before putting it away and falling asleep.

Clem

I think about what time to wake up tomorrow before falling asleep.

Eli

I wake the next morning at dawn and dress, checking myself over in the mirror before reporting to the head groundskeeper for work.

Clem

I wake and head downstairs, sighing.

Eli

I'm tasked with polishing the marble steps and flash a smile when I see Clementine, pausing to greet her hello.

Clem

Eli pauses his work to say hello to me and I smile, saying hi back. They give me the job to wash the windows and I take a deep breath, grabbing a bucket of water and a scrub thingy.

Eli

I finish the step I'm on and move up, allowing myself to get lost in thought as I work.

Clem

I take a deep breath and start, going on my tip toes to reach some windows.

Eli

I finish and work on the in-between parts of the staircase, glancing up at Clementine.

Clem

I finish one window and sigh.

Eli

I sigh, humming something as I work to break the silence.

Clem

Sweating, I take a break and plop down, sighing.