Chapter 3 THE MAID WHO STOLE HIS HEART

The Maid's name was Ama, a kind and gentle woman with a smile that could light up the darkest room. From the moment she walked into their home, Jean-Luc felt a connection. Ama was different from the other nannies. She did not just take care of him; she loved him. She cooked his favorite meals, sang him lullabies, and told him stories of her own childhood. She was his protector, his confidant, and also his friend.

Ama's love was unconditional. She did not just see Jean-Luc as a child she was paid to look after; she saw him as her own. She would often tell him stories about her village, about the traditions and customs of her people, and about the importance of family and community. Jean-Luc would listen intently, fascinated by the world Ama described for him. It was a world so different from his own, yet it felt familiar in a way he could not quite explain.

One of Jean-Luc's fondest memories was the time Ama took him to the local market. The market was a bustling, vibrant place, filled with the sounds of laughter and haggling, the smells of spices and fresh produce, and the colors of brightly types of fabrics and handcrafted goods. Ama held his hand tightly as they both navigated through the crowd, stopping every now and then to greet the people she knew. She introduced Jean-Luc to the vendors, proudly telling them that he was her "petit fils" (grandson). Jean-Luc felt a swell of pride at being called her grandson, and he could not help but smile.

As they walked through the market, Ama bought ingredients for dinner, explaining to Jean-Luc how to choose the best vegetables and how to tell if fish was fresh. She even let him help her haggle with the vendors, teaching him a few phrases in the local language.

By the time they left the market, Jean-Luc's arms were full of bags of market gifts, and his heart was full of joy.

Back at home, Ama taught Jean-Luc how to cook traditional Ivorian dish. They worked together in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, seasoning the fish, and stirring the pot. Ama's hands moved with practiced ease, and she patiently guided Jean-Luc through each step.

When the dish was finally ready, they sat down together to eat, savoring the fruits of their labor. Jean-Luc had never tasted anything so delicious like this, and he told Ama, you are the best cook. She smiled and said, "C'est parce que c'est fait avec amour." (Meaning, it's because it was made with love).