“Why would I be angry?” He nodded to the windshield. She looked and stared then burst into laughter. He sent her an odd look. “You think this is funny?” “Yes, I love to see what you consider a couple of miles up the road.” The house stood only a few yards away. It was a massive stately mansion, covered in vine with two large columns at the entrance. On the roof you could see at least four chimneys while grandiose windows looked down on them. The shrubbery and plants lining the house reflected hours and hours of meticulous gardening. “I’m glad you’re taking this so well,” Ian said. She grinned. “You mean you’re lucky.” He nodded. “Yes, that too.” Mariella stepped out into the mud. It covered up to her ankles. She swore as she trudged through, then noticed a fox in the distance. It darted between the trees. “Oh look.” She pointed. “It’s beautiful.” “It seems to be following us.” “And having an easier time,” she said lifting her shoe out of the mud, making a sucking noise as she raised it.
