With each step I could feel the cold air seeping through my worn leather boots. As I carried the goods in my satchel I was careful not to stumble on the wet cobblestones. This was my daily routine, however, on this day events took a different turn.
As I was nearing my employers domicile, the heal of my boot twisted and broke. I carelessly stumbled nearly face first on the filthy street. Right about when my head was to hit the ground, I was saved by a strong grasp. It all happened very quickly. Next thing I knew, I was standing face to face with what appeared to be a military officer wearing a perfectly clean and starched uniform, gazing at me with a cunning grin. I quickly averted my gaze downward, where I saw all of the goods from my satchel covered in dirt. Flustered, I got on the ground in an attempt to salvage the items. While the officer remained standing, I began to get back onto my feet when he abruptly gave me his arm for assistance. "Danke, mein Herr," I said, while making a small bow of my head. I then turned around as quickly as possible and headed back in the direction of my employer, limping carefully.
Upon entering the servants entrance, the kitchen maid let out a gasp upon seeing me in such a state. Evidently my face was soiled and I looked frightful. She grabbed the satchel and bade me to run upstairs and get cleaned up so I'd be ready to serve the luncheon.
My quaint room was nice and warm thanks to the fire I had started in the wood stove earlier. I stripped off all of my dirty garments and glanced in the mirror. I stood there in my underclothes wishing I could spend the day as such, without the restriction of proper winter clothing. As I was washing my face in the basin, I couldn't help but think about the German officer who had caught my fall just a few moments ago. As much as I wanted to hate him because of all that he stood for, he had reflected a kindness towards me. Perhaps I amused him, but I saw no humor in my situation.