He didn’t answer.

But he nodded, once, a small thing, and I understood that something had been decided.

Chapter 11 — A Guest in His Own Home

When Silas finally moved into my house, he moved in like a guest who expected to be asked to leave at any moment.

He made his bed every morning before breakfast, the corners tight, as though an inspection might come.

He washed his plate the instant he finished eating and put it away.