January 20, 2021
The 20th Day of the Marriage Game
The journey back to Joule's ancestral house was shrouded in darkness, both outside and within his heart. The weight of his parents' capture bore down on him, each step feeling heavier than the last. The midnight air was cool, offering little comfort as he made his way through the silent streets.
When he finally reached the house, he hesitated for a moment, gathering what little strength he had left before knocking softly on the door. The sound echoed quietly in the stillness of the night.
Inside, Judy was pacing the living room, unable to sleep. Worry gnawed at her, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The soft knock at the door startled her, and she quickly moved to answer it.
As she opened the door, the dim l
