Chapter 23

The doorbell rang continuously as Thrain's mom became enraged. "Who's pressing the doorbell this frantically late at night?" she thought.

"Thrain!" she shouted, calling for his attention from downstairs. "Do you have a visitor today?" she asked.

"Uhm, no," he replied, walking down the stairs in his clean white singlet and clean shorts.

"Well, go check who's at the door. And yeah, while you're at it, get me a chilled water for the freezer," she said.

"Okay, Mom," he responded.

As soon as he reached the door, the doorbell was pressed again. "Would you hold on," he shouted as he opened the door.

"What! Mark, but... I never thought it would be tonight. And what's with all the books and the travel bag? I hope you aren't staying here forever?" he asked, looking perplexed.

Mark realized that Thrain had become taller and more muscular since they last saw each other. Annoyed, Mark stood up and spoke slowly and softly, "Would you rather feed me with questions than invite me in?"

"Oh! I'm sorry,