Malee saw George’s head turned to her in shock as she fell back and the wine cup slipped from her hand. She was not only going to fall but make a mess of it. It was the worst scenario since her cart slammed into the back of the car. She felt the tears swelling in her eyes as she saw the wine floating in the air, out of the cup from the side of her eyes. For a moment, she thought she saw Georgia covered her mouth with both her eyes so as if she was trying not to shout out loud.

“Malee!” shouted George as he tried to turn his body around and try to grab her body again to no avail. But just as all was given up, George grabbed the hand that was freed of the wine cup. So there they were, Georgia at the top of the staircase, who was initially in shock but recovered her composure. George, who was trying not to lose his balance while pulling Malee up back to her feet. Malee, desperately trying not to fall on her back, using all her strength to grab hold of George’s hand and trying to regain her balance.

Then she felt a large, soft hand supporting her back.

“What is going on?” asked Mary while pushing Malee to upright position.

Georgia kept quiet and George stared at his sister, but it was Malee who spoke first.

“Sorry, Mary. I must have slipped from the carpet. I will clean it up.” said Malee as she regained her balance.

“It’s ok. I will get someone to clean it up.” said George as he walked up the staircase to his room.

He stopped briefly at the top and turned to his sister and stared at her for a while before going into his room. He whispered a few words to her before leaving, but neither Malee nor Mary could hear them from their location. Malee wondered what was it that George said to Georgia, but she was certain neither would tell them. Malee regained her composure from the shock and started walking down to get another cup. Mary shook her head and went out of the house for another errand before the party. Georgia simple went back into her room.

Malee took out another cup and poured the same amount of wine into the cup. It all went with no incidents that time and she effortlessly walked up the staircase and reaching in front of Georgia’s door in no time. As she went into the room, Georgia was lying on the bed and signalled her to put the wine cup on the table.

“I am so sorry about what happened. I must have..” said Georgia as soon as she placed the wine cup on the table. Georgia waved her hand as not to continue with the apology and then jumped out from the bed.

“It’s ok. I sometimes forgot that not everyone can be like me. But you did well for someone of your stature.” smiled Georgia. She walked towards the table and picked up the wine cup for a sip before looking back at Malee. Malee nodded and gave a slight bow. It was the closest to an outright apology that anyone could get from Georgia, and Malee knew it.

“How is your walking now?” asked Georgia, who was standing straight in the middle of the room.

“I think I am doing better but it feels tight.” replied Malee.

“It is ok. You will feel much worse when you take it off.” consoled Georgia as she took another sip. “Why don’t you try wearing it for the whole day? You need practice for tomorrow.”

“Yes, Georgia. Need more wine?” asked Malee.

“No. Not before lunch, anyway. I was thinking. What are you good at besides drawing and frying potatoes?” said Georgia.

“Nothing really. I had only been to school for a few years before selling on the street.” said Malee the truth. It was no use lying to Georgia.

“Here is a puzzle picture book. Try them.” said Georgia as she took out a large book from the drawer beside the bed and handed over to Malee.