I didn't say anything after that. Just let the silence settle between us like a soft fog. The old woman remained seated, eyes distant, and I simply stared at the empty wall behind her, not really seeing it. It was one of those rare quiet moments—not awkward, not heavy, just… quiet.
Eventually, Evelyn's steps echoed down the wooden stairs, her boots light but sure.
"The rooms are nice," she said, brushing her hair behind her ear as she reached the bottom. "There's even a small bathroom with a tub. It's clean… surprisingly."
I got up from the chair with a stretch and pulled out the coin pouch. From it, I slid six copper coins onto the counter, the clink of metal drawing the old woman's attention. "We'll need food too, if you don't mind. Two rooms and dinner."
