Facing Thomas Chapman's confusion, Henry Ronan didn't pay much attention. Instead, he casually glanced around at the scenes in the yard.
Everywhere he looked, the traces of time's desolation were evident.
Tangled dead grass, an unkempt grape arbor, a table with four stools placed below the window—there was a strong sense of life here. If not for some change, the place would surely be filled with the warmth and joy of a family of four.
The sound of the flat house's door opening drew the man's attention forward.
The door opened, and before Lucy Ansley could emerge, a playful puppy joyfully dashed into the grass, appearing very lively.
Thomas Chapman liked it immensely, bending over with animated expressions, teasing it.
Lucy was busy with something inside the room and only appeared after a good while.
In the yard, the puppy seemed indifferent to Thomas Chapman, brushing against Henry Ronan's leg for a sniff and then looking up... and started barking.
