Denial and Hope

James arrived at his home about midday the next day. He had entered the house rather groggily before deciding to take off his trench coat and boots and leave them at the door with the case before heading to his room to nap. He was way too tired to think.

He awoke again near sunset and made his way to the kitchen where he put on a kettle for himself before grabbing an apple from his counter and taking a bite.

A moment later, the kettle began to whistle and he took it off the heat. Just as he was about to pour the cup, he suddenly heard his mailslit creak open. Hewhipped around to face the door. When his eyes landed on the door, he watched as a letter fell through the opening.

He ran to it quickly and threw it open, peeking his head outside. He looked around to see if he could catch the person who dropped the letter off, but he saw no one.

Stepping back into the house, he shut and locked the door before hesitantly opening the letter.