Are you talking about your house?

He often found himself grappling with an internal conflict, a persistent sense of inadequacy that gnawed at him more frequently than he liked to admit. In truth, he felt like he was in no position to judge anyone, especially her. Despite the few years of age difference between them, he was all too aware of his own flaws and shortcomings. These were not minor imperfections, but rather significant lapses in judgment that had marked his past, leaving a trail of mistakes he was far from proud of. In moments of introspection, he couldn't help but feel that, in many ways, he was more of a degenerate than she could ever be.

His life was a patchwork of choices, some made in haste, others in desperation, but all contributing to the man he had become, one who often looked back with regret. He had walked paths that had led him to places he wished he could forget, and though time had given him wisdom, it had also left him with a lingering sense of guilt. In contrast, she seemed far more grounded, with principles that he admired from a distance. At her age, he had been reckless, driven by impulses that led him astray, while she appeared to have a clarity of purpose that he envied. So, he kept his thoughts to himself, understanding that it wasn't his place to impose his views on her. He respected her autonomy, silently acknowledging that, in the grand scheme of things, she might be making better decisions than he had ever managed to make when he was younger.

As the miles passed, the conversation between them dwindled into a comfortable silence, punctuated only by the hum of the motorcycle and the rhythmic thumping of the road beneath them. They were approaching a small village, one that wasn't too different from the place where he was ultimately headed. The girl, seated behind him, gently tapped his shoulder, signalling that they had arrived. He gradually slowed down, bringing the bike to a stop at the side of the road.

"Thank you, John,"

She said softly as she dismounted. There was a genuine warmth in her voice, a sincerity that was hard to miss. She gave him a shy smile, her eyes briefly meeting his before she stepped away from the bike.

"You're welcome,"

John replied with a nod, acknowledging her gratitude. He removed his helmet, letting the cool evening air brush against his face. As he looked around, taking in the modest surroundings, he noticed her staring at him, almost as if she were seeing him for the first time. Her gaze lingered, and for a moment, she seemed dazed, unable to find the words she wanted to say.

"It's getting late,"

She finally managed to say after swallowing hard, her voice slightly hesitant.

"Where are you staying for the night?"

Her question hung in the air, tinged with a reluctance that suggested she wasn't quite ready to part ways with him just yet.

"Me? Hmm..."

John mused, still surveying the area.

"I'll probably find a hotel somewhere nearby."

He spoke without much thought, his mind more focused on finding a place to rest than on the specifics.

"Oh!"

She exclaimed, her eyes lighting up with a sudden idea.

"How about staying in our village for tonight? It may not be as luxurious, but it's manageable."

Her offer was laced with excitement, her shy smile reappearing as she looked at him expectantly.

John raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by her suggestion.

"Are there hotels in this village?"

He asked, his tone reflecting his scepticism. He was fairly certain that a place as small as this wouldn't have much in the way of accommodations.

"Yeah, we have one,"

She replied with a playful grin.

"It's run by my family, and it's free."

Her attempt at sarcasm was accompanied by a mischievous glint in her eye, clearly hoping he would catch on to her joke.

"Are you for real? Who runs a hotel for free?"

John questioned, giving her a doubtful look. He wasn't sure whether to take her seriously or not.

She giggled, enjoying the banter.

"Haha, yeah. It's real. I've lived there for free my whole life,"

She said, the laughter in her voice evident as she hopped back onto the bike, clearly expecting him to drive her home.