The threat loomed ahead, vivid and undeniable, but Simon refused to let it break him.
Instead, he had steadied himself, a calm determination settling in his chest. He was ready. He had no other choice. Whatever storm was coming, he would face it head-on.
He stood up, moving quietly as his bare feet touched the cool floor.
The new clothes he had acquired were a welcome relief after so much time in tattered and worn-out garments.
The soft fabric felt good against his skin — comfortable and fresh. But even now, with his new clothes tugging against him in all the right places, Simon couldn't bring himself to fully enjoy the feeling.
The threat at hand overshadowed everything else. There would be time for comfort later, if there was any later at all.
He moved silently, heading upstairs to his room. It wasn't much, but it was his — a space he could call his own. He sat on the edge of the bed, his eyes scanning the room.
