Chapter 676

Just then, the man who had had too much to drink stumbled out of the room. He paused, rubbing his nose as he looked over at his mother, who was holding a candle. With a sniffle, he grumbled, "He's busy. How can you manage with only one good eye?" The room fell silent. Continuing, he demanded, "Go make me something to eat, you old hag." Hearing this, she chose not to argue. She nodded and shuffled off to the kitchen, her back bent with age. Jacob, who had been watching quietly, turned his gaze to the man. Realizing Jacob was staring, the man met his eyes. After a brief, silent exchange, Jacob left. The man watched Jacob walk away, then glanced toward the kitchen. He rubbed his nose again, hands in the pockets of his tattered coat, and shrugged before walking off. * That night, at almost 2 AM, a horrific fire erupted in the fishing village. A scream woke the villagers. Those who hadn't moved away yet dashed from their homes toward the blaze. They ran to the house, desperate to