The night had just begun. Shadows stretched long on the wooden floors as the last gray light of day slipped behind the hills. Jacob, the head of the household, led Mr.Lovely through narrow, creaking hallways until they reached a small room tucked at the far end of the house. Jacob pushed open the door. The room was simple, a narrow bed with a handmade quilt, a wooden dresser, and a cross carved roughly into the wall above the headboard.
"The will be yours," Jacob said, stepping aside. Mr.Lovely slung his bag onto the bed and glanced around. He exhaled slowly, tension in his shoulders easing just a little. " Thank you," Mr.Lovely said." For taking me in after my letter. I just... I just needed a fresh start. The city was overwhelming."
Jacob nodded slowly, folding his hands in front of him. "We hear stories about the city," he said. "Full of devil worshippers and lost souls. I'm glad you decided to come to god." Mr. Lovely hesitated, his hand tightening slightly around the strap of his bag. He gave no reply-only nodding once, keeping his face blank.
Jacob watched him for a moment longer than necessary, then smiled faintly."Dinner will be ready infive minutes,"he said, stepping back into the hallway. Without waiting for a response, he pulled the door closed, leaving Mr. Lovely standing alone in the dim, silent room.