Seeing Mrs. Dubois's face light up as I spoke about my work as Dr. Wilson was worth every moment of hardship I'd endured. Her eyes shone with pride, hanging on my every word as I explained my research in simplified terms.
"So the nanomaterial coating can actually regenerate itself?" she asked, leaning forward in her seat.
"Within certain parameters, yes. That's what makes it revolutionary for battery technology," I replied, feeling a warmth spread through my chest at her genuine interest.
The housekeeper, Aunt South, who had always treated me with thinly veiled contempt, now stood frozen in the doorway, a tea tray trembling slightly in her hands. The shock on her face was almost comical.
"Will you be needing anything else, ma'am?" she asked Mrs. Dubois, but her eyes remained fixed on me, as if seeing a ghost.
"No, thank you, Aunt South," Mrs. Dubois replied, not missing the woman's stunned expression. "Though perhaps you might want to close your mouth before you catch flies."
