"All done but you need to be careful in the shower so as to prevent water from touching it_ here is your records" the nurse told Maria after attending to her injury. Maria opened the little card with her lesson score then brimmed with smiles; the time spent, effort and also the injuries from the very first day was worth it.
"The master is in his study and sends for you" the nurse told her and left.
...
"Master you sent for me" Maria asked standing at the study door.
"Come in" the master told her and when she did he gestured her to seat down.
"Here taste it and tell me how it is" the Monk master said handing a glass of wine to her. Maria took it then sniffed it.
"It's quite strong but refreshing" Maria said after taking a sip of the wine.
"And?" The Monk asked further.
"A new catch for the wine industry" Maria told him and he nods then got up
"Come with me" the Monk said leading her out of his study into a narrow path which she had not been to.
"Master is this some sort of secret pa_waw vineyard!" Maria was saying but when she came out and saw what's before them she was astonished.
"You grow grapes? That explains why I've always thought the air smells of grapes" she said taking big steps into the vineyard.
"What do you plan on doing with the grapes? it's such a large farm and I don't think I'd make it to the end by foot, can I?" She asked the Monk if she can pick some fresh ripe ones and he nods.
" You're right about you not making it to the end by foot because, at the very end it's a cliff with a deadly valley" the Monk told her.
"Really I'd love to see it" Maria said
"You don't seem to be afraid anymore" stated the Monk with unnoticed smile
"Nope_ not after you made me fight those rottweilers and having an ice bath then, walking on hot charcoal thereafter made your black cobra bite me_ well it was quite an experience and it sure helped with trauma" Maria said recounting her episode learning under the Monk. One of the young Monks once told her she was lucky to have the Monk head teach her in person.
"Maria" the Monk called out
"Yes master"
"The greatest prison is oneself_ you find it difficult to let go of those that had hurt you deeply causing to hate those who truly loves you; I'll not always be there for you so you need to how to protect yourself"
"Ahh! Master why did you_" she was about asking why the Monk master suddenly pushed her outside but he closed her mouth with his hands as he carefully listens to their surroundings.
"There are intruders and am the target. Listen to me my child, do you remember the song I thought you?" He asked
"Yes you always sing it to me" Maria answered
"Good, it's not just a song it's a password to my vault right inside the my study um_ tell Ed I stayed away for his safety and bring him here when the time is right" the Monk told her but before she could ask he asked her to run.
"Run and don't look back um_ runnnn!" He shouted pushing her away as he faced his attackers.
"Noooooo!!!" Maria screamed waking up sweating profusely even with the cool temperature of the room.
" You're awake thank the heavens" someone said and that's when Maria looked around her, everything looks strange.
"Where this place?" Maria asked the lady in the room
"I'll attend to all your questions later but now you need to answer mine first" the lady told her.