Chapter 4
Pale morning light filtered through the grimy window of the shed, casting long, dusty rays across the concrete floor. Leo stirred slowly, his muscles stiff and aching from the bitter cold of the previous night. The storm had passed, leaving behind a pristine, blinding blanket of white that covered the entire backyard. Buster was already awake, sitting upright with his ears perked toward the door, listening intently to the sounds of the house awakening. A muffled thud from the back porch signaled that Evelyn was up, beginning her morning routine with the same rigid discipline that defined every aspect of her life.
Leo slowly unwrapped himself from the heavy moving blankets, wincing as the blood rushed back into his cold extremities. He glanced down at his plaid pajamas, now damp and stained with dust from the shed floor. He knew he had to return to the house eventually, but the thought of facing Evelyn without a word of apology or remorse filled him with a quiet dread. Buster nudged his hand insistently, as if urging him forward, reminding him that hesitation would only prolong the inevitable. Taking a deep breath, Leo pushed the warped wooden door open and stepped out into the blinding glare of the winter morning.
May you like
The walk across the snowy yard felt like a march toward an inevitable confrontation. As Leo approached the back door, he saw Evelyn standing at the kitchen counter through the clear glass, pouring steaming coffee into a ceramic mug. She did not look up immediately, letting him stand on the porch for a long, agonizing moment before finally turning her gaze toward him. Her expression remained impassive, devoid of any warmth or concern for how he had survived the freezing night. She unlocked the door and pulled it open just a few inches, enough for her voice to cut through the cold air like a knife.
You missed breakfast, she said flatly, her tone devoid of emotion. Clean yourself up in the mudroom before you touch anything in this house. There is wood to chop by the shed this afternoon. Don't think sleeping outside gets you out of your chores. Without waiting for a reply, she shut the door again, the heavy thud echoing across the yard. Leo stood frozen for a second, a spark of indignation flaring in his chest, quickly tamped down by survival instinct. Buster walked up beside him, letting out a low, protective growl that vibrated in the dog's throat. Leo placed a calming hand on the animal's head, whispering softly, It is okay, boy. We can handle it.
