Domicile, Prologue 3
Ralph Balmont sat on a large rock, observing Balmont Estate from a distance, troubled by what he saw. He was losing the world he'd grown up with to forces beyond his control, forces of change. His family had fragmented, all scattered in the search of what the world outside had to offer; at this thought, Ralph winced. He was the first to see just how bleak those prospects were. He had barely managed to maintain his health and sanity, what chance did the rest have?
None.
That was the only answer that came to him in the calm silence of the early morning. It was a harsh truth Ralph Balmont had to be able to face in order to take hold of his own future, before he too became a forgotten relic, a mere shadow haunting the estate, a quietly laughing ghost like his mother was now. She was just marking time until death took her away, her refusal to give up more of a lingering hint of the obstinate person she had once been than any real animalistic drive for self-preservation. She had long since lost any admirable traits and was beginning to cross into territory that made her seem downright ghoulish. Ralph Balmont didn't want to end up like her.
As lost in thought as he was, Ralph didn't notice the morning sun peeking through the trees until it touched the left side of his face, and it was only then the feeling of warmth on his skin shook Ralph out of his solemn state and lifted him into a state of wonderment. It had been so long since he'd felt the sun on his skin.
Tomorrow, he'd have to go to Mumsville to meet his probation officer, and register for benefits... none of which he looked forward to...
None.
That was the only answer that came to him in the calm silence of the early morning. It was a harsh truth Ralph Balmont had to be able to face in order to take hold of his own future, before he too became a forgotten relic, a mere shadow haunting the estate, a quietly laughing ghost like his mother was now. She was just marking time until death took her away, her refusal to give up more of a lingering hint of the obstinate person she had once been than any real animalistic drive for self-preservation. She had long since lost any admirable traits and was beginning to cross into territory that made her seem downright ghoulish. Ralph Balmont didn't want to end up like her.
As lost in thought as he was, Ralph didn't notice the morning sun peeking through the trees until it touched the left side of his face, and it was only then the feeling of warmth on his skin shook Ralph out of his solemn state and lifted him into a state of wonderment. It had been so long since he'd felt the sun on his skin.
Tomorrow, he'd have to go to Mumsville to meet his probation officer, and register for benefits... none of which he looked forward to...