"Wait," he called out rather too eagerly, causing Shantel's brows to quirk.
"I know you're in a hurry to leave, but… can you just stay for… let's say… ten— no five minutes? There's something I need to show you."
Now Shantel knew he was up to no good, and did not fail to point it out to him. "Don't push your luck, old man. This is more urgent and I have to go," she said and made for the door.
But before she exited the room, she cast one last glance around the room, then back at him. "Take care of yourself, old man. an…. remember to stay out of trouble."
"I always do," he replied with a faint smile. "But it would have been nice to have someone else pretend to care, just once in a while."
She smirked, rolled her eyes, and left.
The door clicked shut behind her.
Old Carter didn't move or blink but just stared at the empty space she'd left. The house suddenly felt lonely and empty after she was gone that old Carter couldn't bear to stay there anymore.
