The morning after the stranger's arrival, the Quiet Town felt less cheerful. Conversations at the market stalls were muted, with the usual friendly banter replaced by uneasy glances toward the inn. The man in the dark coat had barely spoken to anyone since his arrival, but his presence alone unsettled the townsfolk.
Aurora sat by the window in her family's modest home, her chin resting in her hands as she watched the streets below. A few children her age played in the dirt road, laughing as they chased each other. Lila passed behind her, a basket of folded laundry in her hands.
"Why don't you go play with the others, darling?" Lila asked, pausing to look at her daughter.
Aurora turned to her mother with a thoughtful expression. "I don't want to play today. Can we visit Granny Elle instead?"
Lila smiled. Aurora's fascination with Granny Elle had grown over the past few weeks, and the old woman seemed equally fond of the little girl. "I suppose we could. Finish your breakfast, and we'll head over."
At the same time, Thomas found himself in the town square again, speaking with the baker, Mrs. Maple. Her round face was creased with concern as she leaned closer to him.
"Thomas, did you see him this morning?" she whispered, clutching a tray of warm bread.
"No, why?" he asked.
"He went to the edge of the forest," she said, glancing around as if the man might appear out of nowhere. "He stood there for a long time, just staring into the trees. It gave me the shivers."
Thomas frowned. "Maybe he's just curious. Plenty of people find the woods strange if they're not used to them."
Mrs. Maple shook her head. "Curious or not, I don't like it. You should warn your wife to keep an eye on Aurora. The man doesn't look... friendly."
Thomas thanked her and walked away, his thoughts heavy. He trusted Lila to be cautious, but he couldn't shake the unease settling in his chest.
When Aurora and Lila arrived at Granny Elle's cottage, the old woman greeted them warmly. She ushered them inside, pouring tea for Lila and giving Aurora a small basket of herbs to sort.
"I hear there's a new face in town," Granny Elle said as she handed Lila a steaming cup. "A traveler, yes?"
Lila nodded, her shoulders stiffening slightly. "Yes. He arrived yesterday. He hasn't caused any trouble, but... something about him feels strange."
Granny Elle hummed thoughtfully, her sharp eyes narrowing as she stared into the hearth. "Strangers often bring change. Sometimes good, sometimes not. We'll have to wait and see."
Aurora looked up from her task, her curiosity piqued. "Did you meet him, Granny Elle?"
The old woman chuckled. "No, little one. I haven't left this cottage in days. But I don't need to see him to know he's caused a stir."
Aurora tilted her head, her brows furrowing. "Why would a stranger make everyone so worried? Maybe he's just lost."
"Maybe," Granny Elle said, her voice gentle. "But it's always wise to be cautious."
Later that evening, as the sun dipped low in the sky, the stranger emerged from the inn. He walked with a purposeful stride, heading toward the edge of town. A few curious eyes followed him, but no one dared approach.
Unbeknownst to him, Granny Elle watched from her window. Though her eyesight wasn't as sharp as it once was, she could sense the burden he carried the kind that changes a person. She had seen it before in others who passed through Brighthaven, and it rarely brought good news.
As the man disappeared into the shadows of the forest, Granny Elle sighed. "He's not just passing through," she murmured to herself. "Mark my words; there's more to him than meets the eye."