Veiled Pursuits
As we step up to the front porch of Jack's old place, a sturdy young man bars the door, his face set in a scowl.
"I don't know what you want here, but you need to leave. Now."
He barks, crossing his arms defiantly.
Before we can reply, a voice rings out from behind him.
"Tommy, that's enough!"
The voice belongs to an older woman, her hair silver but her posture commanding as she steps through the doorway.
Her eyes are sharp, but there's a kindness in them that contradicts the sternness in her voice.
"Let them in. It's alright."
She says, waving us past Tommy, who looks mutinous but steps aside under her gaze.
Inside, the woman introduces herself as Mrs. Susan, Jack's grandmother.
"I'm sorry about him; he's protective, especially these days."
She explains, leading us to a sitting area. Tommy lingers by the door, his eyes still wary as he watches us settle in.