[ she casts the small bed a brief glance, but there is little that can draw her attention from the man who has so kindly greeted her. somehow, the fact he can still smile at her so pleasantly stings far worse than if he were to have met her with disdain or dismissal. both of those, at least, she was far more familiar with. walking into his space under such warm greetings, is a feeling so unfamiliar that manuela finds herself so wholly unprepared. ]

I'll remain standing, if that's alright with you.

[ honestly, who's to say how much longer he would like her in his space? best to be prepared to be asked to leave at any time, than further embarrass herself by making herself comfortable.

so she stands, lingering by the doorway so that her inevitable exit might remain as clean as possible. however this puts her quite close to ferdinand himself, who had closed the door behind her. she hovers quite awkwardly, feeling a little out of her depth for someone who can usually command any room with her presence. instead she finds herself feeling quite small, almost swallowed up entirely by the suffocating confines of the minimal space. ]

Firstly, Ferdinand, I need to apologize to you. [ she draws her gaze up to settle upon his features, even if the brightness of his flush and his smile makes her ache to see. ] My behavior, that day on the set... You must think me a shameful woman.