Chapter 5: Unfamiliar Spaces

Lucas sat on the edge of his bed, staring at the wooden floor. The house was quiet, except for the faint hum of conversation from the other rooms. It wasn't the silence he was used to—the kind that wrapped around him like a cold shadow. This one was warm, filled with life happening just beyond his door.

But it wasn't his home.

A soft knock broke through his thoughts. The door creaked open slightly, and Mrs. Carter peeked in. "Lucas, honey, dinner's ready. You can come down when you're ready, okay?"

He nodded slightly, not trusting his voice. He heard her footsteps fade as she walked away, leaving him with the decision of whether to join them or stay alone in his room.

His stomach twisted, though he wasn't sure if it was from hunger or nerves. Slowly, he slid off the bed, his feet touching the soft rug beneath him. With careful steps, he made his way to the door, pausing before opening it.

The hallway was lined with photos. Smiling faces, birthdays, vacations—moments of happiness frozen in time. He couldn't remember the last time he had a photo like that.

He swallowed hard and walked down the stairs, the wooden steps creaking under his weight. When he reached the dining room, the Carters were already seated. Theo spotted him first and grinned. "Hey, you made it!" he said, scooting his chair over. "Come sit here."

Lucas hesitated before stepping forward, slipping into the chair next to Theo. The table was full—plates of steaming food, glasses of water, a basket of warm bread. It smelled good, familiar in a way that made his chest ache.

"I hope you like spaghetti," Mr. Carter said with a gentle smile, passing him a plate. "Theo insisted we make it tonight."

"It's the best comfort food," Theo declared proudly. "And, y'know, it's pretty hard to mess up."

Mrs. Carter laughed softly. "I wouldn't say that."

Lucas stared at the plate in front of him. It had been so long since he'd sat at a table like this, surrounded by people who spoke to each other with warmth. His hands felt heavy as he picked up his fork.

"Before we eat," Mr. Carter said, "we always pray. Would you like to join us, Lucas?"

Lucas stiffened. He hadn't prayed since… since before. His throat tightened, and for a moment, he considered shaking his head. But something about the way they all looked at him—not expecting, just offering—made him pause.

He gave the smallest nod.

Mrs. Carter smiled and reached for his hand, her touch light, as if she knew he might pull away. Theo grabbed his other hand, his grip firmer but not forceful.

Mr. Carter bowed his head. "Lord, we thank You for this meal, for the hands that prepared it, and for bringing Lucas into our lives. We ask that You give him strength, peace, and healing. Amen."

"Amen," the others echoed.

Lucas swallowed past the lump in his throat. He didn't say it, but for the first time in a long time, he listened.