UNEXPECTED CONFESSIONS

The tranquil fields surrounding Ethan's farmstead rustled gently in the breeze, daylight's fading rays gilding pastoral scenery in burnished gold. Within crude dwelling walls, he set about methodical evening chores, lost to pensive musings.

A polite rap at the weathered wood portal startled him from reverie. Frowing, he swung it open to find an unexpected ginger, wide sapphire eyes downcast. "Sarah? Is everything alrigh - come in, please," he ushered earnestly.

She nodded gratitude, settling stiffly upon a rickety chair as Ethan bustled about stoking the hearthfire back to life. At last ensconced opposite, he prompted gently, "Now then, what brings you calling at such an hour, dear friend?"

Sarah fidgeted, clasping nervous hands. "I fear I come bearing troubling news, Ethan, though I pray my worries prove unfounded." Her admission caused hackles to rise along Ethan's nape, intuition stirring uneasily.

Leaning forward, he grasped one silk hand reassuringly between calloused palms. "S