“So, you’ve had it tough, too.


    Pull up a chair.


    Karina, why not keep Carlowpany? I’ll whip up something in the kitchen,” she said warmly, motioning towards the sofa.


    “Haleigh, let me give you a hand.


    ” Karina offered, eager to assist.


    “No need, just chat with Carlow for a bit,”


    Haleigh replied with a dismissive wave, heading towards the kitchen with a renewed spring in her step.


    Watching Haleigh’s retreating figure, Karina pursed her lips in contemtion.


    Everyone cravedpanionship.


    Since Barlow’s passing, Haleigh had been in a slump.


    But Carlow’s presence seemed to lighten her mood, if only slightly.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.


    And that was a hopeful sign.


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Yet, Karina thought they didn’t really know much about him.


    Could his kindness be a facade?


    With this suspicion in mind, she motioned towards the sofa.


    “Please, make yourselffortable, Mr.


    Tucker.


    ”


    She felt the urge to unravel the mystery surrounding him.


    “Just Carlow,” he said, following her to the living room and settling onto the sofa.


    Karina nodded, her curiosity getting the better of her.


    “Okay, Carlow.


    Your ent, it’s not from around here.


    Where do youe from?”


    Carlow looked at her briefly.


    Wasn’t she prying too much?


    A flicker of difort crossed his face.


    “My roots are here, but life’s taken me to different ces, hence the ent.


    ”


    “And what do you do for work?” Karina inquired further.


    “I’m not particrly skilled.


    Used to be in business, but a setback left me disabled and without a job, so I’m stuck at home.


    ”


    A shadow of sadness clouded Carlow’s eyes, revealing a deep sense of loneliness and despair.


    Karina studied him intently, noticing the honesty in his demeanor, realizing her initial skepticism might have been unjust.


    Clearing her throat, she offered a gentle reassurance.


    “Things will turn around, you’ll see.


    ”


    Carlow met her gaze briefly, a hint of optimism flickering within.


    “I’ll hold you to that.


    ”


    Breaking the silence, Karina cautiously broached the subject.


    “I saw you at the hospitalst time.


    Your leg, it’s still healing, right?”


    Carlow nced down at his leg.


    “Yes, it is.


    ”