Wilfred sat by the window in his room, listening to the raindrops tapping on the glass, creating a soothing melody that always brought him a strange sense of peace. He loved the rain. For some, it was a sign of gloom and grayness, but for Wilfred, the rain was akin to music, calming his thoughts. The scent of damp earth wafted through the slightly open window, mixing with the polished wood aroma of his chamber. He barely moved, only his long, neat fingers tapping on the arm of his chair, following the rhythm of the falling water. Since he had gone blind and the world around him had plunged into darkness, his other senses had become especially acute.

Wilfred listened to the new maid quietly moving behind him. Her steps were light, almost imperceptible against the thick carpet, but he still caught every movement and rustle of her skirt against the furniture legs. She was cleaning his room, as always diligently and silently. The faint scent of lavender from her apron lingered in the air as she passed by. Wilfred rarely spoke to her, not wanting to distract her from her work, but he felt an elusive calm in her presence that he couldn't find elsewhere in the large, lonely house.

And suddenly there was a dull sound, as if something had fallen to the carpeted floor. The crash of porcelain against wood echoed in the quiet room.

Wilfred flinched in surprise, and his fingers immediately froze mid-tap. His heart was pounding in his chest like crazy, adrenaline surging through his veins at the unexpected sound.

"Are you okay?" he called worriedly, turning his head in the direction of the noise. "Are you hurt?"