11

Now that you're here with Marlowe instead of Eliot, you get the sense that whatever secrets have been hidden in this house are going to be brought into the light. Eliot held back from telling you the whole story yesterday—but you know you wouldn't be here with Marlowe now unless they wanted you to be. And although Marlowe didn't say as much back at the Town Hall, you couldn't help but get the feeling that there might have been something they wanted to get off their chest.

After a while, the dogs have settled down with their food, and you and Marlowe are sitting at the kitchen table. Neither of you are speaking very much—but every now and then, you think you notice Marlowe giving you an anxious glance. You get the feeling that they're wrestling with themself about whether or not to say something.

You don't know what exactly is on their mind; you can only guess it must be to do with Eliot, and maybe even the reason Marlowe hadn't seen him in so long. You can't be sure, though—and you're not certain it would be your place to ask.

It's been so long since either of you spoke that you're a little taken aback when they suddenly meet your eye again. For a moment, you're almost convinced they're about to tell you something important—but just as they open their mouth, they stop. Swallowing, they say in a small voice:

"Um…I'd probably better make sure all of the stuff for the dogs is together. Then I'd better start organizing some things…"

They hesitate, before standing up and starting to busy themself collecting a few things to bring back with them. With that, it seems clear that they can't quite bring themself to tell you whatever it was they were thinking about.

With that, you realize that, at least for now, you might not get the chance to find out what exactly it was that fractured the relationship between Marlowe and Eliot. But no matter how curious you are, you know you have to respect Marlowe's privacy.

Maybe, at some point, you'll find out the truth. But for the time being, all you can do is offer your support if Marlowe needs it.

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