Chapter 4
As I sat on the public bench, my stomach growled loudly. I looked around at the mouthwatering food stalls nearby, my eyes drawn to the tantalizing aromas. With hopeful anticipation, I approached the first food vendor and asked, "Excuse me, sir. Do you have anything to eat?"The vendor gave me a disdainful look and replied, "Sorry, kid. We're all sold out for today. Maybe try your luck somewhere else."Feeling a pang of disappointment, I moved on to the next vendor. "Hello, ma'am. Could I please have something to eat? I'm really hungry."But she simply shook her head and said, "I'm sorry, but we're closing up. Come back tomorrow."I went back to sit on the public bench, I couldn't understand why everyone was pushing me away like the plague. Was it because I was young? Or was it my disheveled appearance?My thoughts were interrupted by the sudden whistles and barking of a small dog , I watched the reckless canine dart dangerously between the passing four-wheeled vehicles. I watched with growing concern as the dog's chain hooked onto a nearby manhole cover, trapping him in harm's way. My heart raced as I saw a four-wheeled vehicle approaching, oblivious to the helpless pup's plight.Fearful gasps and panicked screams rang out from the onlookers, each paralyzed in terror by the impending tragedy. "Oh no, someone help that poor dog!" a passerby shouted, grabbing the attention of others."Someone needs to save him before it's too late!" exclaimed another woman, her voice filled with desperation.Without a second thought, something stirred within me. I couldn't ignore the danger facing the small dog. Adrenaline coursed through my veins as I jumped up, ready to intervene."Wait, don't go! It's too dangerous!" a man cried out, reaching out to grab my arm.But I shrugged off his warning, determined to help. "I can't just stand here and let that dog get hurt! We have to do something!"As I ran towards the trapped dog, I heard more voices chiming in with concern. "Be careful, little girl!" called out a worried onlooker, the tremor evident in their voice."Someone should call for help! Get the authorities here!" urged a young man, frantically searching for his phone.But without hesitation, I intervened. Swiftly, I maneuvered towards the helpless dog, praying that I would reach it in time.Just as I reached out to seize the little pup and guide it to safety, time seemed to slow down. I felt a sharp jolt of electricity course through my body as I grasped the dog's chain, momentarily stunning me. A sharp cry of pain involuntarily escaped my lips as the shock coursed through me." Ouch!!"Moments later, I heard the screeching of tires and the sickening thud of a small impact. I looked up to see the confused and apologetic face of the driver, who had bumped into me with his four-wheeled vehicle, but fortunately, it was just a minor collision."I'm so sorry! Are you okay?" he asked anxiously, his brows furrowed with concern.Feeling a pang of pain, I reassured him, "Yes, yes, I'll be fine. Accidents happen."The driver's face filled with guilt as he muttered, "I didn't see you coming. I should have been more careful."I offered him a kind smile, understanding his genuine remorse. "It's alright. As long as nobody is seriously hurt, that's what matters. Let's just make sure to be more cautious in the future."His eyes filled with gratitude, the driver nodded and said, "Thank you for understanding. I'll definitely be more mindful from now on."He helped me to get up and then left, thanking me again.As I caught my breath, my attention was drawn to a figure approaching from the corner of my eye. A young girl, came running towards us, a sense of panic etched upon her face. Behind her trailed a man dressed in a sharp black suit, his posture and demeanor exuding an air of professionalism.The girl's disheveled appearance contrasted against the man immaculate attire. Her wild brown hair fell loosely around her shoulders, strands sticking to her flushed face. She wore a faded green sundress, the fabric stained and torn from her hasty journey. The man, in contrast, stood tall and composed, his suit crisply pressed, with not a hair out of place.Breathless, the girl stopped in front of me and let out a sigh of both relief and exhaustion. "Thank you," she managed to gasp, her voice trembling with gratitude. "You saved my precious Coco. I don't know what I would have done if something happened to him."I smiled warmly at her, the pain from the shock still lingering in my limbs. "It was no problem, really. I couldn't just stand by and watch." Glancing at the man, my curiosity got the better of me. "And who might you be?"The man inclined his head, his voice steady and dignified. "I am James, the young mistress's loyal butler," he spoke with a hint of formality. "I must say, your quick thinking and bravery have impressed us both. Is there anything we can do to repay you?"I gazed at him, still feeling slightly dazed from the adrenaline rush. The events of the day replayed in my mind—the chase, this new pack, the fight, my hunger,the relief of seeing Coco safe. It had all happened so quickly. I wave off his offer "No need," I replied, my voice tinged with exhaustion. "I'm just glad he's safe."Coco, now calmer and seemingly unharmed, wagged his tail happily and gave me a heartfelt lick on the hand, his gratitude evident. I smiled at the small dog, feeling a surge of warmth in my chest.James seemed taken aback by my refusal. "But surely there must be something," he insisted, his eyes searching mine. "You risked your own safety to save Coco. We are forever in your debt."I considered his words, my mind still racing. The truth was, I hadn't expected any reward for my actions. I had acted on instinct, fueled by the sudden surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins. "I appreciate your offer, James," I said, my voice softening. "But really, I was just glad to help. You don't need to repay me."The young mistress, who had been observing our conversation with a mix of concern and gratitude, stepped forward. "Please," she pleaded, her eyes pleading. "Allow us to show our gratitude. Let us at least heal your wounds. It's the least we can do."I couldn't ignore the genuine concern in her voice. It tugged at my heart, reminding me of the bond I had formed with Coco in that brief moment of chaos. "Alright," I relented, a small smile tugging at my lips.The young girl clapped her hands with delight, "Wonderful! We'll take good care of you, I promise," she exclaimed, ushering me to follow them. Her excitement was contagious.With a bit of fear, I followed them as they led me through the unfamiliar surroundings. I didn't even know these people, but something about them made me trust them. We eventually stopped in front of a beautiful black, large, and impressive four-wheeled machine. It was mind-blowing.Curiosity filling my eyes, I fingered the smooth surface of the vehicle and asked the girl, "What is this?"She grinned at me, her eyes shining, "It's a car, but not just any car. It's a limousine.""A limousine?" I repeated, struggling to process this new information. I had never seen anything like it before."Yes!" the girl exclaimed. "It's like a luxury car, with extra space inside. You'll love it!"Feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension, I made a mental note of the intricate details of the car's interior. So, this was what people referred to as a car - a four-wheeled vehicle like this limousine.As we approached the car, a man graciously opened the door, extending a warm welcome to us. I hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to expect from this new experience. However, the girl's infectious enthusiasm was all it took to convince me that this was an opportunity worth seizing. Gathering my courage, I took a deep breath and stepped into the car.To my delight, the interior boasted plush seats and elegant decor, leaving me mesmerized. Sensing my astonishment, the girl hopped in beside me, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Isn't this incredible?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with wonder.Unable to contain my excitement, a smile spread across my face, slowly erasing any lingering fear. "It definitely is," I replied, gazing around in awe. "Thank you for inviting me."Closing the door with a gentle click, the man signaled for the engine to roar to life. As the car vibrated with energy, I couldn't help but feel a wave of excitement wash over me. It was an unfamiliar sensation, having spent most of my life in the presence of horses. However, in that moment, I felt a strong curiosity and eagerness to explore this new mode of transportation.Turning towards me, the girl broke the silence. "We will be arriving soon," she said softly, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness. "Oh, by the way, my name is Sandrine, but I prefer to go by Sandy , I'm 10 years old."Curiosity piqued, I found myself drawn to Sandy's bubbly nature. "Nice to meet you, Sandy," I said, extending a hand. "I'm little-angel, 18 years old."Gently shaking my hand, Sandy's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Likewise! I'm so thrilled to have you here with me today," she exclaimed, her enthusiasm contagious. "You're going to love what awaits us."As the car glided effortlessly through the city streets, Sandy began sharing stories of her own adventures. She spoke passionately of the places she had seen, the people she had met, and the experiences that had shaped her. With every word she uttered, my anticipation grew, tinged with a newfound sense of curiosity and wanderlust.Lost in our conversation, I gradually forgot about my initial hesitations. The strangeness of being enclosed inside a vehicle was replaced by the thrill of discovering new horizons. The rhythm of the car, the hum of the engine, and the changing scenery outside the windows became the soundtrack to our burgeoning friendship.Before I could even register it, the car glided to a perfect stop in front of our destination. My veins pulsed with excitement as Sandy turned to me, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "We've arrived!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with unrestrained delight. I took a moment to absorb everything that had transpired. The limousine had brought us to an exquisite mansion, standing proudly before us. It was a sight to behold, with its grandeur emphasized by the gentle rumble of the car and the majestic opening of the estate's barrier. The butler gracefully stepped out of the vehicle and approached, ready to assist us.As I stepped out of the car, I couldn't help but marvel at what lay before me. The interior of the mansion was beyond anything I could have imagined. It was opulent and extravagant, with detailed artwork adorning the walls and lavish furniture spread throughout."You have a home like this?" I exclaimed, unable to contain my surprise.Sandy laughed. "Yes, I do. You'll love it, I promise."Sandy took my hand and guided me through the house, but I was rendered speechless, my mind struggling to grasp the sheer luxury that surrounded me.These people were incredibly wealthy, far beyond anything I had ever encountered. If my friend Sunshine were to witness this, she would surely faint from shock. The thought tugged at my heart, evoking a pang of longing. But I pushed the feeling aside, choosing instead to immerse myself in the mystique of the mansion. "Make yourself at home," Sandy said, leading me to a plush sofa.I sat down carefully, not wanting to dirty or damage anything. Sandy left for a moment and returned with a nurse to treat my wounds. I winced as the nurse cleaned my cuts, thankful for the treatment.As I sat there, my stomach growled loudly, embarrassing me. Sandy noticed and smiled."Would you like something to eat?" she asked.I nodded gratefully, and soon I was served a delicious meal with fresh juice. After I finished, Sandy brought me a set of beautiful clothes that smelled of lavender and jasmine."You can change in there," she said, pointing to a room.I went to change, feeling slightly uncomfortable in the short dress that clung to my curves. But I didn't complain, grateful for Sandy's kindness.As I returned to the living room, Sandy apologized for having to leave. I watched as she left, feeling nervous being alone in such a large and unfamiliar place.Suddenly, the door opened and a boy walked in. At first, I didn't recognize him, but as he approached, I realized it was the same boy who had splashed me with water and yelled insults at me earlier in the street.Recognition flickered across his face, his initial anger transforming into fury."What the fuck is going on here?" he shouted, his voice filled with disbelief and confusion.As the air crackled with tension, I realized that this encounter was about to change everything.Chapter 5: I stood there, stunned and at a loss for words. The boy, approached me menacingly, and fear coursed through my veins.Just then, Sandy appeared with a well-dressed man and woman in tow. They must be her parents, as Sandy looked like a younger version of her mother and her father had a stern aura about him. Sandy quickly came to my defense.Sandy's eyes filled with a plea for understanding. "Christ, you need to calm down," she said, her voice steady despite Christ's threatening presence. "She's not here to harm us."Ah! So this boy was called Christ and he was her brother! Noted ! "Who the hell is she, Sandy?" Christ demanded, his gaze turning back to me."She's the girl who saved Coco," Sandy answered, indicating their dog who was sitting calmly by my side. "She risked her life to save him."Christ glared at me with disdain, clearly unimpressed. A man and woman who had entered with Sandy, presumably her parents, exchanged glances. The woman looked at me with a grateful s
Chapter 6:I was abruptly awakened by a loud knock on my bedroom door. Groggily, I stumbled out of bed, feeling disoriented and unsure of where I was. The events of the past few days seemed to jumble up in my mind, making it difficult to grasp reality. A sharp pang of pain shot through me as I remembered my parents, but before I could fully process my emotions, I heard the butler's voice, demanding to be let in." Miss, open the door at once !" In a rush, I hurried towards the door, my heart pounding with anxiety. I flung it open, revealing James standing there with a disappointed expression on his face. His reprimanding words stung as they cut through the early morning silence."You won't last long in this house if you keep sleeping so late, Miss," he scolded sternly."Gosh, I'm really sorry," I mumbled, guilt and frustration mingling in my voice. "I promise I'll fix my sleeping habits."Reluctantly, James instructed me to join Willow, the housemaid, in the laundry room."Willow wil
Stunned by the venomous words that spilled from Christopher's lips, I couldn't help but draw a comparison between him and Stone-heart—a cold and heartless individual. But despite his unpleasant demeanor, I found Christopher strangely attractive, even more so than Stone-heart. Lost in my musings, my beloved white dog Coco interrupted my thoughts with a series of urgent barks.He tugged at my work uniform, his fangs gently grazing against the fabric."Heeey Coco," I greeted, Overwhelmed with the love I felt for him, I crouched down to meet his level. His fangs grazed against my work uniform as if urging me to follow him outside."How are you doing, buddy?" I asked, looking into his bright, happy eyes.Coco responded with an eager wag of his tail, as if saying, "I'm doing great!" His bright eyes filled with happiness.Before I could reach out to pet him, James,arrived on the scene. He swiftly scooped up Coco, cradling him in his arms, and gestured for me to follow him. "Come on," he said,
The next day, I was in the midst of my housekeeping duties when James the butler approached me, his voice laced with a mixture of urgency and hesitation. "Little-angel, could you please do me a favor and climb the ladder to clean that painting on the wall?" he asked.I hesitated for a moment, feeling a hint of apprehension flutter in my stomach. "Um, sure, James. I'll give it a shot," I replied, trying to sound more confident than I felt. I grabbed a ladder and gingerly climbed up, clutching tightly onto my small bucket filled with soapy water and a sponge.As I made my way up, fear coursed through my veins. One wrong move, and I could come crashing down, making an even bigger mess than before. I let out a small groan, caught between my determination to do a good job and my uneasiness with the height. Suddenly, I heard footsteps approaching, and my heart skipped a beat.It was Christopher, striding down the hall toward me with his usual air of authority. I couldn't help but feel a mix
Willow's eyes immediately landed on the mud-covered dress of Mrs. Miller, and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Little-Angel, why is Mrs. Miller's dress covered in mud?" she asked, her voice laced with concern."I... I didn't mean to," I stammered, my voice trembling. "It was an accident. I'm so sorry!"Willow's expression grew more incredulous. "You expect me to believe this was an accident?" she snapped, her tone cutting through me."It really was! I swear!" I pleaded, tears welling up in my eyes.A mischievous smile danced on Willow's lips as she bent down and began to sweet-talk Coco, the fluffy white dog who had become attached to the soiled dress. "Come on, Coco, let go," she cooed, trying to coax the dog away.But Coco resisted, holding onto the dress with unwavering loyalty. Panic surged through me; Coco's determination only added to my worry. "Please, Willow," I begged, my voice filled with desperation. "Don't tell anyone about this. I'll do anything."Willow's eyes narrow
Sandy leaned in closer, as if about to divulge a juicy secret. "But just between us, I can't stand her."My heart sank, as if someone had snatched the breath out of my lungs. I struggled to conceal my confusion, not wanting Sandy to know how Christopher's happiness with Daisy was crushing my own dreams.Sandy, sensing my inner turmoil, reached out and patted my hand sympathetically. "I know it's tough, but trust me, I have my reasons to dislike Daisy. She's never been nice to me."An idea suddenly sparked in my mind, causing a sly grin to spread across my face. "Well, Sandy, if you do it, I'll also play my part of pranks on her," I confessed, hoping to blend into Sandy's mischievous world.Her eyes widened in surprise, followed by an impish giggle that filled the air. "Oh, you little troublemaker! I like you even more now!" we both laughed, momentarily forgetting our worries.As the conversation steered towards Christopher, I couldn't help but reminisce about our first encounter. I de
As I stepped into the bathroom, contemplating the absurd idea of washing my hair in the toilet, my eyes caught sight of Sandy in the corridor. Curiosity sparked within her as she approached, her gaze fixed on my disheveled locks."Sandy!" I exclaimed, feigning nonchalance as she closed in. "Fancy meeting you here."A knowing smile formed on her face as she inquired, "So, Daisy is the culprit behind this catastrophe, hm?"I hesitated, trying to formulate a lie, but Sandy saw right through my feeble attempt. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she assured me, "Don't worry, my friend. Revenge is in order."My pleas for mercy fell on deaf ears as she vowed to take matters into her own hands. Despondent, I resigned myself to the inevitable. With a heavy sigh, I made my way back to the bathroom to salvage what little remained of my dignity.Upon my return in the living room, I discreetly positioned myself behind a nearby curtain, hoping to observe Sandy's impending retaliation. As I eaves
Frantically, we rushed to the door, pounding on it with all our might, desperate for someone to come to our rescue. But the minutes felt like hours as our cries for help went unanswered"Oh no! What happened? What do we do now?" I cried out, frantically looking around for any possible way out.Sandy, trembling with fear, rushed towards the door and began knocking. "Help! Is anyone out there? Please open the door!"But there was no response, and our pleas for help echoed through the garage. The weight of the situation began to weigh heavily upon us, causing Sandy to sink to the floor, tears streaming down her face."I can't believe this is happening! My parents are going to be so mad, especially Christopher," Sandy sobbed, her voice strained with anxiety.Trying to hide my own fear, I knelt down beside Sandy, embracing her tightly, hoping to bring some comfort. In those tense moments, the silence was broken by the sound of the door. "It's going to be okay, Sandy. We'll find a way out o
51Little-angel POVI laid in bed, my mind drifting into the unfathomable depths of sleep. As darkness blanketed my senses, the realm of dreams took hold, unleashing a haunting nightmare that pierced through my consciousness.In the twisted labyrinth of my imagination, I found myself in a desolate church, its once majestic pillars now crumbling with eerie decay. And there, at the altar, stood Christopher, illuminated by flickering candlelight. But to my dismay, it wasn't me standing beside him—it was Daisy, my closest confidant.I watched in disbelief as they exchanged vows, their voices echoing through the empty halls. "I promise to cherish you, to protect you for all eternity," Christopher declared, his voice filled with a strange intensity."As do I," Daisy replied, her gaze piercing and inscrutable.The ceremony went on, the words flowing like an ominous melody. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The weight of those words crashed over me, while a co
51Little-angel POVI laid in bed, my mind drifting into the unfathomable depths of sleep. As darkness blanketed my senses, the realm of dreams took hold, unleashing a haunting nightmare that pierced through my consciousness.In the twisted labyrinth of my imagination, I found myself in a desolate church, its once majestic pillars now crumbling with eerie decay. And there, at the altar, stood Christopher, illuminated by flickering candlelight. But to my dismay, it wasn't me standing beside him—it was Daisy, my closest confidant.I watched in disbelief as they exchanged vows, their voices echoing through the empty halls. "I promise to cherish you, to protect you for all eternity," Christopher declared, his voice filled with a strange intensity."As do I," Daisy replied, her gaze piercing and inscrutable.The ceremony went on, the words flowing like an ominous melody. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife." The weight of those words crashed over me, while a co
50Little-angel POVThinking quickly, Avery rushed over and attempted to salvage the dessert, only to find it was beyond saving. Frustration etched across her face, she turned to me, anger evident in her eyes."How could you have made such a mistake? How could you leave the dessert outside the fridge?" she exclaimed, her voice filled with disappointment."But... But... I put in the fridge." I stuttered confused . "How is that possible? You didn't leave the dessert out of the fridge, did you?" Avery exploded in anger.I was taken aback by Avery's sudden anger, feeling confused and hurt. "I... I'm sure I put it in the fridge before I joined you in the dining room," I stammered, desperately trying to defend myself.Avery's frustration grew, and she couldn't understand how the dessert ended up back in the same spot she had left it. "So, what? Did it magically find its way out? Is that what you're saying?" she scoffed, her tone filled with disbelief.Feeling accused and unsure how to exp
49Little angel POVWhen Avery returned to the kitchen, her expression changed. Frustration lined her face as she surveyed the lack of progress. "Little-angel, what's going on here?" she asked sternly. "We don't have much time, and we can't afford to make mistakes. Do you really want us to be fired?"I quickly realized my mistake and apologized, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, Avery. I got distracted. It won't happen again," I promised.Avery sighed, her frustration easing slightly. "Listen, I've been working in this house for many years, and believe me, there have been situations between Mr. and Ms. Miller that were worse and more embarrassing than what you've experienced with Mr. Oliver and Mr. Christopher," she said, her voice filled with wisdom. "You need to pull yourself together. We can't let our personal troubles affect our work."Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, and I couldn't help but nod, determined to do better. With renewed focus and determination, we quickly
48Little-angel POV.At that precise moment, there was a knock on the door, and I quickly jumped from the bed, eager to see who it was. James stood at the entrance, his face stern and disapproving. "What are you doing here?" he scolded me. "Avery is almost done, and you're still in bed!" I tried to explain, "I have a small headache, James. I was just resting to recover."He shook his head, clearly unimpressed. "That's not the point. Mr. Christopher is receiving a guest, and he insisted that you be available for service. I highly doubt he will understand your headache excuse." He said then turned and leave.Feeling a mix of frustration and exhaustion, I let out an exasperated sigh. Sandy squeezed my hand in support as I made the decision to leave her alone in my room and join Avery in the kitchen. As I made my way there, I couldn't help but wonder who this famous guest of Christopher's could be. The curiosity gnawed at me.Entering the kitchen, I found Avery busy with her tasks. She l
47Little-angel POVAs I stood there in my dress, the door suddenly swung open. I immediately recognized Sandy's face, and it was clear that she was troubled. She hurried in and with an exasperated sigh she casually zipped up the back of my dress, struggling to find the right words. "I can't believe the plan failed," she finally muttered. " I just don't get it! How did the plan fail? I talk to Christopher, and he is still furious. But don't worry, he'll get over it, let's just give him some time."Confused, I questioned her, "But Sandy, how did you even manage to face Christopher directly after everything? How did you just look into his eyes?" I asked curious. "I mean, it's quite embarrassing, considering you're the one who came up with this ridiculous prank. Honestly, I knew it was going to turn into a disaster, but I followed your lead because I trusted you.Sandy, now visibly irritated, snapped back at me, "Stop placing all the blame on me just because it didn't work out! You're no
46Little-angel POV I felt my heart pounding harder and harder, the sound echoing in my ears."I... I..." I stuttered, my mind racing to find the right words. But before I could gather my thoughts, Christopher, with an air of arrogance, interjected, "Don't worry, Oliver. I'll handle this." He crossed his feet and settled comfortably in the chair, a smug smile playing on his lips. My embarrassment intensified, knowing that Christopher was about to take control of the situation."Little-angel here has decided not to leave with you," Christopher declared, his tone dripping with superiority. Oliver, still trying to process the information, responded, "I already knew that. What does it have to do with you?" Frustration etched itself on Oliver's face, his words laced with a hint of irritation.Christopher turned to me, surprise evident in his eyes. "When did you tell me about this change of mind? And why?" he inquired, his voice sharp with curiosity. My stomach churned, and beads of sweat
45Little-angel POVAs we anxiously waited for Christopher's return, I found myself fidgeting nervously in my seat in the secluded garden where Sandy and I were hiding. Sandy, on the other hand, sat calmly, a sly smile playing on her lips as she glanced at me.Minutes felt like hours, and finally, Christopher's car pulled through the gate, indicating his arrival. My heart raced with anticipation. Would the plan we had concocted work?Sandy couldn't contain her excitement, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "He's here, Angie, he's finally here! Just wait for him to go to his room, and then you follow him."But doubts lingered in my mind, weighing heavily on my conscience. "Sandy, I'm starting to think this is getting out of hand. We should really consider coming clean."Sandy locked eyes with me, her expression softening. "Please, just trust me, alright? We've come this far, and I promise everything will work out."Her words held a glimmer of hope, and though reluctant, I nodded, willing
44Little angel POV As I stepped into the hallway, I found myself questioning where I found the courage to assume such a big lie. But then, I remembered how disappointed Christopher had seemed when I thought he was begging me, and fear crept in. What if he had just said those words to save face and not appear weak in front of me? The consequences of that lie began to weigh heavily on my mind, but I quickly pushed those thoughts aside. Nothing significant would come out of it anyway. He said he wasn't serious when he was supposedly begging me, so there was no need to make a big deal out of it. It was all going too far.Taking a deep breath, I wiped away my tears, determined to find solace and support in Sandy. I made my way to her room without bothering to knock, my emotions still running high. As I entered, I found her wrapped in a cozy blanket, fully engrossed in her favorite werewolf series, "Moonlight's Embrace." The room was dimly lit, the soft glow of the TV casting flickering s