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

good at

life someone had played a game with

for fun.

hung around in the background,

the bandages on Clara's wrist and neck

took a break.

afternoon. Charles

the door, ready for

the doctor stepped in, blocking their way. "Charles, let her rest a

I know you're excited, but you need to think about

He let go of

sleep, Clara."

eyes sparkled as she looked at him, catching the

to hide.

want to go out, I'll go with

of happiness shot through Charles, prickling from his toes all the way

back for a second, then

pat.

best, Clara. Seriously. From now on,

we're not

argue, but Charles was already pulling her

before she

wanted to

Charles turned

on

here

loose.

I'll have to

out at

gently, "Charles, make

come back early."

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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