CHAPTER FORTY TWO

Arc

"Just finished fixing the door," Brandon said, beaming with pride and held the door open, wider. "Sturdy now, isn't it?"

Arc responded with a curt nod and began to walk past him.

Brandon's grin faltered as he added, "You don't talk much. When I first saw you, I thought you were...you know, mute." He chuckled nervously and rubbed the back of his neck with his empty hand. "Not in a stupid way, just...not able to speak."

Arc raised an eyebrow at the man, sceptical. He was certain Brandon hadn't thought him mute initially. He could still recall the remark Brandon had made when they first met. "I'm sure you had other thoughts about me," Arc said dryly.

Brandon paused, as if collecting his thoughts, and scratched his head. "I don't think I..." He trailed off, then winced, his cheeks flushing with redness. "Yeah, I remember now. Look," Brandon sighed, "I'm sorry about what I said when you first arrived. I say stupid