They followed behind the old man with hurried steps through the wet, muddy path, the rain still pouring, drenching them even further. The air was cold and damp, smelling faintly of wet soil and old bark. Puddles splashed beneath their feet as they moved, and mist hung low around the trees, blurring the view ahead.
Elaine walked next to Leonard, while Helena trailed behind, trying to catch up to Allan but that wasn't possible. Allan walked at his own pace, calm and unbothered, his dark hair plastered to his forehead as though the rain itself meant nothing to him.
Elaine nearly slipped on the slick ground, her shoe sliding in the mud before Leonard caught her by the hand, pulling her upright in one swift motion. Her heart almost leapt out of her chest before she caught her breath, turning to meet his gaze. Leonard had a small smile on his face.
"You should be more careful," he said gently. She nodded, feeling slightly embarrassed. His hand lingered on hers for a moment longer than necessary before he finally let go.
Before long, they reached a small house. The paint on the walls had long faded, leaving behind dull streaks of gray and white. The front yard was wide almost comfortable for one to watch the night sky, and though the flowers by the edge had lost most of their color, they still stood proudly, swaying in the drizzle. Dim light flickered from the windows, faint and golden against the gloom, a small sign of warmth in the otherwise cold evening.
The door swung open, and a girl around their age rushed toward the man.
"Dad!" she called, worry heavy in her voice. "Why did you step out? You said you wouldn't. You're freezing, come inside!"
She clutched his arm, trying to pull him in, not even noticing the drenched group behind him.
"Simmy," the man said softly, his tone patient. She stopped and looked up at him, her eyes following his gaze then she finally noticed the others. Confusion flickered across her face.
"Dad… who are they?" she asked, stepping slightly in front of him as if to shield him.
"No need to worry," he said kindly. "They're just young kids who need somewhere to stay for the night."
Elaine glanced at Allan when she heard the man call them young kids. Allan's lips twitched, but she couldn't tell if it was amusement or irritation.
"Why don't you help them settle in?" the old man said as he walked slowly into the house.
A tense silence followed. Simmy didn't look particularly happy about their stay, but she turned anyway and said, "Follow me."
Helena hesitated, frowning. She wouldn't lie to herself she didn't like this place. It looked too old, too strange. She wanted to complain, maybe about the musty smell or the creaking roof, but before she could, a voice called out.
"Aren't you coming in?" Leonard asked loudly, a teasing smile on his face. He knew her too well.
Helena huffed but finally stepped forward, muttering under her breath as she walked into the house.
Inside, the air was warmer than expected, soft and dry, carrying the faint scent of old wood and tea. The place wasn't dirty at all. In fact, it was tidy and surprisingly cozy. The pale white walls glowed softly under the golden light of the small bulbs above. A brown couch rested neatly on a light carpet that looked old but cared for. Small wooden drawers stood by the corners, holding vases, framed photos, and even a dusty old hookah pot that seemed to belong to another time.
Simmy led them toward a door at the end of the hallway.
"Where are we going to stay?" Helena asked, her tone sharp, as if she owned the place.
Simmy stopped, her eyes meeting Helena's. It was obvious she didn't like her.
"There are only two rooms," she said shortly. "I'll stay with Dad. The four of you can manage my room."
An awkward silence fell. The idea of four people sharing a room wasn't appealing, but none of them spoke up. After all, they were the ones being helped.
"We don't have a bath here, so of you want to freshen up, you would have to go to the stream, it's a little far from here" she added.
They seriously couldn't believe all these. But what where they expecting.
"Well… thank you," Leonard said politely.
Simmy nodded slightly, as though it wasn't a big deal, and turned away.