Roderick took his time getting to Elara's room, humming "Take Me Home, Country Roads" under his breath. He breathed in the smell of the flowers he'd picked and eventually arrived at his destination. Just as he was about to knock on the oak door, he heard a soft giggle from behind it.
Intrigued, he put his ear against the door. It was definitely laughter, but then, hearing a man's voice saying something he couldn't make out a sick feeling settled in his stomach. Twice, he rapped on the door, a mix of nerves and anger coursing through him.
The laughter stopped. Roderick waited a few seconds, growing increasingly restless.
Finally, the door opened a sliver, and Elara appeared, her lovely face forcing a smile as she saw Roderick.
"Hi, Roderick." She enunciated his name a little louder as if she was announcing him. "What brings you here?" her smile appeared a little strained.