Chapter - 56

The next day, as Ameera descended the stairs, she noticed Mrs. Doris standing at a corner of the hallway, her face buried in her hands. A sense of unease washed over Ameera as she approached her, and she noticed tear stains on Mrs. Doris' cheeks.

"Mrs. Doris, are you okay?" Ameera asked gently, concern evident in her voice.

Mrs. Doris quickly wiped her face and forced a smile. "Oh, Ameera, I'm fine, dear," she replied, trying to sound cheerful.

But Ameera could see through the façade. "Something's wrong, isn't it?" she persisted. "Please, you can tell me. I'm here to listen and help if I can."

Mrs. Doris looked torn, and Ameera could sense the inner struggle. "It's nothing, really," she finally said, avoiding Ameera's gaze.

"I know when something's bothering you," Ameera said softly, placing a hand on Mrs. Doris' shoulder. "You've been like a mother to me since I arrived here. You can trust me."

Mrs. Doris took a deep breath, seemingly on the verge of opening up. But then, she hesitat