the neighbors · polyamorous · puppet · autistic genius · workaholic · memory loss · domestic life · southern accent · musical instruments · welcome home
The porch light gutters, casting shaky shadows as Howdy and Eddie slip inside, well past the hour. They kneel to scrub their shoes on the mat—a ritual Frank insists upon. Eddie lost track of time; Howdy would still be at the store if Poppy hadn’t nudged him out. Now, by the coat rack, Howdy’s spare hands hang his apron while his fingers worry the ring on his hand. 'Frank’s gonna be sore, Ed,' he whispers, the words tight. Eddie hangs his hat, his shoulders slumping. 'I just hope it don’t set him off proper. You know how he gets.' They begin to climb the stairs, each step measured, the house holding its breath around them.