The towering buildings stood like countless monstrous claws under the pitch-black night sky. The streetlamps were different from those he was familiar with. In the deformed development of Old Dunling, many areas still had no electricity. Here, it seemed to be the same, with nothing but gas lamps. In the nearby mist, a Lightkeeper progressed, and as he moved, one lamp after another lit up.
The night had deepened, but he didn't want to go home yet. He hated the stern kindness of Mrs. Van Rudd. He rarely felt the presence of warmth from others. Compared to the parents who drove him out of the house, she was like a ray of light in Hig's heart.
But he didn't want this light to be disappointed because of him. As he walked aimlessly, gigantic structures emerged from the mist, with glimmers of light sparkling amongst them. Hig was slightly startled, then he heard the faint sound of hymns.
This was a church.
