Strange Evening

It was a long day, I thought. The weather was just to my liking; it hadn't stopped pouring, but I wasn't complaining at all. I hadn't had school for three days because of the storm. Exams were right around the corner, and of course, I didn't have the energy to get out of bed. I was just 17 when I met him.

"Lorelie," my mother called, "Come down this instant!" I rushed down as quickly as I could. Oh, but I looked like a mess—a complete disaster. There in the doorway stood a tall man with a scar on his neck that ran down to his ear. He appeared to be in his twenties, his dark, wet medium-long hair framing his sharp hazel eyes that seemed to pierce into your soul if you stared at them for too long. He wore a soaked black coat that reached down to his knees and looked as though he'd been standing outside for hours.

"My, you're drenched," my mom said.

"It's no big deal, ma'am," he replied. I stopped halfway down the stairs, captivated by his deep voice. It was smooth and relaxing, sending a slight shiver down my spine.

"It was hard for me to find this place," he added.

"Well, I'm glad you found it," my mom chuckled. I finally reached the bottom of the stairs and had to raise my head to see his face.

"Good afternoon, sir," I said awkwardly. He stared at me without saying a word. I figured he wasn't much of a talker. I shifted my gaze to the scar on his neck, and he shot me a glare, quickly covering it with his hand.

"Dear, it's very rude to stare," my mother said with a stern tone.

"Oh yes, my apologies, sir," I mumbled, still taken aback by his silence.

He turned his attention back to my mother. "Please have supper with us. It's probably been a rough day for you." He nodded in agreement.

"Now, Lorelie, you can go show him to his room," my mom instructed. I gestured for him to follow, and he did.

"So, sir, may I know your name?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Um, okay, I see you don't like to talk," I sighed, sensing he wouldn't respond anytime soon. "Well, I'm—" I suddenly got cut off by him.

"Miss, may you please stop asking personal questions?" he said with a glare.

"I, uh, yes, of course, sorry," I stammered. "May I at least know your name?"

He paused before entering his room. "Elias Graves," he said before shutting the door. This man was certainly strange.