The silence quickly became incredibly awkward. Maddy cleared her throat slightly, shifting on the bed.
"Um... Julie? You can go now. You should go get some rest yourself."
Julie nodded quickly, her smile widening.
"Oh, alright! I will, I will."
Yet, her boots stayed firmly planted on the floorboards. She made absolutely no move to turn around and leave the room.
Sighing softly, Maddy softened her tone.
"It's really alright, Julie. You don't have to keep doting on me. You and your father have already paid me back tenfold with that incredible feast."
"No," Julie said, her voice suddenly dropping into a deeply earnest, sincere tone. She took a half-step forward, her eyes shining with absolute devotion. "I am forever in your debt, Lady Maddy. A home cooked meal could never equal the gift of my life."
Finally, as if breaking out of a trance, Julie took a step backward into the hallway.
