The sound was dampened by the water surrounding his head, so Victor didn’t hear the woman enter or the gentle calling out. He did however hear the sudden crash as she tripped over the buckets. Unsure of what the commotion might’ve been and always wary of those who hunt him, Victor jumped from the tub to face whatever assailant may have found him.<br/><br/>He hit the floor with both feet, slightly crouching, with his hands raised in a defensive posture. The nearby lamp flared, preparing to come to Victor’s aide. He somehow managed not to slip on the wet floor.<br/><br/>The flailing light helped things to be seen more clearly. Victor called out in a strong, deep voice, “Abia?!”