Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

This place wasn't anything special-just a random estate Charles picked up,

mostly so his two dogs could have somewhere to go wild. He didn't think much of

it. After all, he'd seen far better.

"Clara, you just ate. Walk with me for a bit? Might help you digest."

"Okay." She answered right away, practically bouncing after him.

Back when Charles lived with the Chester family, his only real interactions with

people were during missions-usually the dangerous kind. Now, with someone

actually choosing to tag along just because, he felt a strange kind of curiosity.

They hadn't gone far before Clara started to slow, her steps turning careful-the

pain from her wound catching up to her.

Charles noticed right away and turned them back. Soon, they were sprawled on

the giant sofa in the living room. Charles grabbed a game controller and handed it

over.

"You know how to play? Let's do it. I'm seriously good at this."

She glanced at the controller, then at him, and nodded.

Charles couldn't help but grin. He switched on the console.

Super Mario popped up on the screen. It was a total classic-ancient, really.

Nobody played it anymore.

His older brother was always too busy with work to bother. Mitch was off chasing

Charles never expected anyone to actually play with

good at

the first time in his life someone had played

for fun.

around in the background, quietly bringing snacks

fruit, changing the bandages on Clara's

took a break.

played until late afternoon. Charles

door, ready for

in, blocking their way.

I know you're excited, but you

face fell. He let go of Clara's shoulder. "Alright. You should get

sleep, Clara."

looked at him, catching the disappointment he

to hide.

go out, I'll go with you," she said

happiness shot through Charles, prickling from his

for

pat.

best, Clara. Seriously. From now

we're not

to argue, but Charles was

she could say

wanted

Charles turned to the

eye on them, will you?

here don't

running loose. If

I'll have to

at the

doctor nodded, reminding him gently, "Charles, make sure

come back early."