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The rain fell relentlessly, creating a soft yet persistent melody as it struck the panes of the small cabinet window. The drops slid slowly down the glass, gathering into tiny rivers that carved their way downward, as if desperately trying to escape the gray, oppressive sky above.
Marie stood by the wooden shelf, her simple but neat dress slightly splattered by the raindrops she had brought in with her. The doctor's cabinet was quiet today, the absence of its usual occupant leaving an odd emptiness in the air. The old man was not there, apparently held up by an emergency elsewhere, leaving Marie alone to prepare the remedies by following the instructions he had left behind.
She focused on her task, her delicate fingers precisely manipulating the dried herbs and liquid vials. Each movement was methodical, each gesture calculated to ensure she made no mistakes. The doctor, though often critical and stern, had come to appreciate Marie's determination, and she did not want to disappoint him. She read the scrawled notes in the old leather notebook carefully, her blue eyes following each line with an almost religious attention.
"Well, it looks like the doctor's little assistant has become a full-fledged apprentice," murmured a voice behind her, breaking the silence. Marie jumped slightly, turning to see Sarah, the doctor's daughter, approaching her with a conspiratorial smile. Sarah had an air of nonchalance, her brown hair falling freely around her face, and her eyes sparkling with amusement.
Marie smiled shyly, although embarrassed. "I'm doing my best," she replied timidly, her cheeks flushing slightly under Sarah's teasing gaze.
Sarah leaned in closer, casually resting against the work table, looking with amused interest at what Marie was preparing. "Don't worry," she said, laughing softly, "my father is an old grump, but he likes you. He'll never admit it, of course, but I know it." She winked playfully at Marie.
Marie felt herself blush even more, lowering her gaze to the herbs in her hand. "Thank you," she murmured. "I'm just trying not to make any mistakes. He trusts me, and I don't want to let him down."
Sarah raised her hands in surrender. "You're way too serious, Marie," she said with a laugh. "Enjoy a little while my father isn't around! We could have some fun, you know."
Marie smiled faintly but couldn't help shaking her head. "I need to finish this first," she replied softly. "There's a reception tonight for important members of the Exploration Battalion and other branches of the army."
