The Disappearing Light

Sam was about to go to bed - he had had enough of staring and thinking for an evening, the wall providing a poor company. He had hoped that getting a roommate would have quelled his loneliness, but Nate hardly was home. When he did come back he smelt of smoke and drink, didn't seem interested in tea and quiet conversations. Perhaps he had made a poor choice. But Sam was hardly the kind of man to throw someone out on the streets, so he dealt with it, spending the nights alone as always. He put out food for Nate and made sure the makeshift bed on his sofa was ready every evening. It did make him feel lonely, though. Remi and he were in an awkward spot and he hadn't seen Jigano in a while. He saw Maea for lessons every so often and people visited his store, but...he was missing companionship. Most nights he read, worked a little, cuddled Mia and watched the fire, wondering if all of his likely many years were to be like this. The knock at his door surprised him, Mia jumping from his arms as he sat up. Remi...? was his first thought, but he dismissed that; he doubted the Alchemist would come back so soon. He walked over to the door and opened it with the chain still on for a moment to see who it was (while he had no real enemies he knew of, his paranoid mind always invented dangers at the door), then immediately undid the lock and opened it for his friend. "Jigano! I didn't expect you. It is quite late...are you alright?" He asked, stepping back in case Jigano wanted to enter. Samuel He took a step but then felt tired He said, I'll rest a little while But when he tried to walk again He wasn't a child