Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Frustration

The floorboards under Isaac's feet protested a loud creak with every step. The cold had seeped into every crevice of the house, and Mason Manor's many fireplaces did little to stave it off. He rubbed his hands together as he walked, exhaling occasionally into his clasped palms in an effort to bring the color back to his extremities.

He descended the main staircase slowly to the first floor. Reaching the foyer, he saw that his mother had made good on her promise to Josephine - she was sprawled out on the floor in the parlor to his right, gently stroking the brown tabby cat who usually lived in the barn. The cat was napping peacefully on the hearth in front of a blazing fire, a small bowl of milk not far from its side.

Isaac sat on the stiff sofa nearest Jo and she looked up at him with a relaxed smile. "Ma gave the kitty some milk while I took my bath."