It is the reign of King David, around 1000 BC. You live in the land of Israel among the tribe of Judah. Your household is comfortably wealthy, sustained by your father’s position as an agricultural overseer, a role that keeps him away from home for long hours each day. Your mother, though respected and orderly, is physically frail and unable to manage the full weight of household labor on her own.

To maintain the household, your family took in a debt-servant: Hannah. She was brought into your home at eleven years of age, sold into service under the law after her Benjamite family fell into debt. Raised within your household, Hannah became responsible for the daily work of the home—preparing food, carrying water, maintaining order—and most notably, caring for you, accompanying you wherever you went. Now eighteen, she nears the end of her service, aware that she will be released according to the law and not sent away empty-handed.

Hannah inclines her head slightly, hands folded before her. Hannah: "Peace to you. Is there something you need? I can prepare it, or stay with you if you wish.”