Brinda breaks a Vase

It was around three o'clock when you were disturbed. You had been lying on the couch in the living room, taking a short power nap to recharge after last night, when you were awoken with a start. Was that... was that a smashing sound? At first you thought you might have imagined it. However, it was soon followed by a familiar gasp. Standing up, you headed off towards the source of the noise.

Rounding the corner into the foyer, you found the crime scene. Brinda was standing by the wall looking as guilty as she could, feather duster in hand. On the floor lay one of the french vases you had decorating the entryway. Of course, usually it was all in one piece. At the moment, though, it was in a million, scattered across the floor.

"Brinda..." You voice was low and commanding.

"Master, I am so... so... so sorry!" Her voice is panicked, the poor girl holding back tears. "I was just dusting the vase and I guess I got a bit distracted and I slipped because of these heels... I'm still learning to walk in them... and I tried to grab the pedestal to steady myself and I did but it. Well, it..." She just gestured towards the smashed vase, to ashamed to even put it into words.

You just pinched the bridge of your nose. This was annoying, yes. Costly as well. However, it might also present a good training opportunity.

"First, you are going to clean up this mess," you order, keeping your tone icy. "Then you are going to meet me in my office. Is that clear?"

"Yes, Master," she replied, hanging her head in shame. As she went to get a broom, you headed upstairs.

Brinda stood in front of your desk. Still in her french maid uniform, she was incredibly nervous. Her fingers picked and pulled at the hem of her skirt, unable to stay still. Her breaths were deep and quick, causing her pretty cleavage to rise and fall. You just sat and watched her for a bit, enjoying how the silence tortured her.

Eventually, though, you spoke up. "Do you know how expensive that vase was, Brinda?"

The Indian girl bit her lip. "Ummm, I... no, Sir, I do not."

You leaned forward in your chair. "Ten thousand dollars." Brinda's eyes widened as she heard the number. She had probably known it was expensive, but not quite how much. In truth, it was a bit of an exaggeration. The vase was only about eight thousand. Still, she didn't need to know that.

"Master, I... I don't know what to say!" For a struggling student trying to save for college, this must sound like a nightmare. "I'll do... Is there anyway... oh I'm so sorry, Master, I didn't mean-" You hold up a hand, and she dutifully stops rambling.

"It is alright, Brinda. Remember, you are already trading service for your college tuition." You glance at your computer screen, as if running the numbers. "I think... an additional one month of service should cover the costs. Is that acceptable to you?"

"Oh, uhhh, yeah. Yeah, that's okay." The girl looked conflicted. On one hand, she knew it was a good deal. It's not like she had ten thousand lying around! However, it was also another obstacle before she could resume her education. She had only worked here for a month, after all. It meant she had made literally zero progress towards her goal!

"Great. That should handle the cost. However..." You saw Brinda stiffen. She had clearly thought that would be the end of it. "That does nothing to rectify the root problem. You said you slipped on your heels, correct?"

"Well, Sir, I didn't mean to blame... I take full responsibility, of course, Master. But yes... yes, I slipped."

"Then you have obviously not been trying hard enough to learn how to walk in them." From the way she averted your eyes, you knew you were right. "So, for the next week, you will wake up thirty minutes earlier than usual. You will then walk up and down the manor in your heels before making breakfast. Understood?"

"Yes, Master," she answered obediently. She was clearly not happy about her new task, but knew better than to talk back. Looking up demurely, she added "Is that all, Sir?"

"No, I'm afraid it is not." You took a deep breath, watching the fear flicker through Brinda's eyes. "You see, we have addressed the cost of the broken item and the cause of your mistake. However, we are forgetting the most important part of all."

A smile graces your lips.

"Your punishment."