Louis glanced at Charlotte, eyes curious but gentle.
Louis: Charlotte… can I ask you something?
Charlotte: Sure, go ahead.
Louis' words came slowly, as if carefully picking through fragile memories.
Louis: Why did your father kick you out of the house?
Charlotte's breath caught. Shadows of past mistakes flitted through his mind.
Charlotte: I… I was always irresponsible. I wanted everything ready for me. I was selfish. My father didn't hate me… he wanted me to learn a lesson. To rely on myself, earn my own money, manage my life. He said he'd let me return after two months if I learned discipline. I remember my mother crying… begging him, saying I was still young.
Louis' gaze softened, filled with empathy.
Louis: Your mother is kind… and your father too, because he cares about you.
Charlotte: Did your father ever kick you out for a similar reason?
Louis: No… not like that. But my parents… they passed away.
Charlotte's eyes softened, and his heart clenched a little.
Charlotte: I'm really sorry, Louis… I didn't mean to make you sad.
Louis: No, it's alright.
Louis: Charlotte, let's meet back here in three hours. You'll go one way, I'll go another, and we'll search for a house before nightfall.
They parted ways. Charlotte's eyes scanned every street and alley, alert for lurking dangers. Every shadow felt threatening, every stranger suspicious. He wanted a safe haven, a place where both he and Louis could truly rest.
Louis, meanwhile, wandered down narrower streets, peering at windows, imagining the interiors. Finally, tucked between two larger buildings, he spotted a small cabin. Affordable. Practical. He ran back to the meeting spot.
Charlotte waited patiently, his eyes darting down every street. Half an hour passed, and then he saw Louis approaching.
Louis: Here, Charlotte!
Louis: Did you find a place?
Charlotte: No… it's too late now.
Louis: Well, I found something… I don't know if you'll like it.
Charlotte: What is it? A house?
Louis: Actually, it's a small cabin. Not cramped. One room for you, one for me. Do you like it?
Charlotte: Show me.
The cabin was modest but sturdy. Charlotte walked through the small rooms, testing the light, the air, imagining nights spent here. A small smile tugged at his lips.
Charlotte: Okay… this is good, Louis.
Louis paid for the cabin. Together, they cleaned, arranged furniture, and made the space feel like home.
Charlotte: It's good we found a place. At night, it's dangerous—there are kids in the streets… or adults who could get hurt. There are bad people lurking after dark.
Louis: Where did you sleep when your father kicked you out?
Charlotte: I slept in the restaurant.
Louis: Good night, Charlotte.