Chapter 53: A nature of some sort
The quiet tension in the room is broken by a soft knock on the door. Tobias stiffens, his hand instinctively moving to his revolver. The boy glances nervously at him, his small frame trembling under the weight of the situation.
"Answer it," Tobias whispers, his voice low but commanding. "And remember—keep it calm."
The boy nods quickly, swallowing hard as he steps toward the door. He cracks it open just enough to see who’s on the other side. His mother’s voice filters through, warm but tinged with concern.
"Dinner’s ready," she says gently. "Come down soon, alright? And don’t forget to close your window. There’s a man being searched for in the village, and I don’t want to take any chances."
The boy hesitates, glancing back at Tobias, who gives him a subtle nod. Turning back to the door, the boy replies, his voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. "I’ll come down when I’m done, Mom. I... I’m not dressed yet."
His mother chuckles softly. "Alright, but don’t take too long. And close that window, okay?"
"Okay," the boy says quickly, shutting the door before she can say anything more. He turns back to Tobias, his breathing shallow.
Tobias exhales slowly, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly. "Good job, kid," he mutters, leaning back in his chair. "You’re smarter than you look."
The boy doesn’t respond, his gaze fixed on the floor. Tobias takes another puff from his pipe, the smoke curling lazily in the dim light. He glances toward the window, the faint sounds of the search party still audible in the distance.
"Guess I’d better take her advice," Tobias says, standing up with a wince. He moves to the window, peering out cautiously before pulling it shut. The room feels even smaller now, the air thick with unease.