As we slowly drive along the road to what I hope is my new home, I can't ignore the sound that taps against the back window. Surely he isn't sleeping. But as I glance back, it is obvious that he's fast asleep. The bumps that we roll over bob his head to the side, the locks of thick and curly black hair tousling with the movement as I scold myself for even humoring to look. The soft tan that glows on his skin looks warm and inviting, just like his golden eyes. I turn to face the road again, hoping that he disappears soon, hoping that maybe this time it'll be different.

The leaves that float around the road are dry and beginning to fall at this time of year, the small signs of animal life twisting through the forests around us. It seems so peaceful as the woman beside me laughs when I glance back again.

"Anthony has always been in this town. He's a kind hearted kid and you'll be surprised at how helpful and supportive he can be in times of need. He may be rash and excitable, but he means well," she says in an almost motherly tone. The affection in her voice is only tinged with the sadness in her slight smile as she picks up her coffee from the cup holder and takes a sip.

I try to think of something to say, but I can only sit in silence as I mull over our interactions so far. With a quiet voice, almost begging myself not to ask, I mutter, "Does he not have anyone to be at home with, or does he always catch rides around town to follow strangers?"

As I wait for her answer, the air seems to stale and I look over, expecting her to be drinking her coffee or distracted only to find her eyes distant and her mouth zipped shut. The atmosphere in the cab is stifling. I wonder if she heard me, but I don't ask again. It isn't like I care anyways, right? Right.

I can see the trees break and a small drive to the left that leads up to a house that seems a little worse than inhabitable. The shutters covering the windows are busted and dangling from their hinges, the paint is peeling from the outside, and the shingles are missing in places, but the actual house itself seems strongly built. There are two floors, that I can see, and it's much larger than I expected, especially for the price I'm paying for it. It only took ten thousand dollars to take this house off of the market and I easily covered it from my savings without needing a loan. As the truck turns off, I gaze around at the well to the side of the yard, a tire swing that is resting by a large tree in the front yard, and a small push mower resting on top of freshly cut grass by the front porch. I step out onto the fresh grass, stretching my arms from the stiffness of travel.

With perfect timing, Anthony's feet hit the ground as he gazes up at the house, smiling with what appears to be excitement as he claps. "Are you ready?!" I shrug as I myself wonder if I'm ready. After Mack reaches up on the dash and plucks a set of keys and a folder from the wedge against the windshield, she walks up to the steps and unlocks the door, her hand waving me up with a smile on her face. I move to follow until I feel a heavy thud against my back, nearly knocking me to my knees as I glare at Anthony whose arm has just smacked around my shoulders. He shakes my body in an all to friendly way before I have the chance to shrug him off, grumbling as I make my way up the porch, his cheerful footsteps skipping up the stepping stones along the path.

As we walked inside, the house appeared perfectly preserved. Beautiful, rich red walls greeted me in the entryway, a stairwell fit for a royal home in the center of the large room that leads up to a balcony. A few tables rest in corners, waiting for decorations by archways that show an open floor plan with dark ebony wood flooring. With the kitchen to the right and the living room to the left, I can see that the previous owner has left behind almost all of the appliances and furnishings. Behind the stairway is a small hallway with a little indentation for the washer and dryer, a bathroom to one side of the hallway and a small storage area to the other side. Opposite the washer and dryer are a set of french doors, serving as an exit to the back yard. Plain and empty except for a tree house built high in a tree and a small handmade jungle gym for a young child. As we ascend the stairs, there are three bedrooms and another bathroom.

I have yet to know what I'll do with all of these extra rooms, but for the price and the availability, it would be foolish to pass up this chance. With a little bit of work and cleaning alongside some decoration, this will serve as a lovely home. I nod my head and almost immediately, Anthony runs out of the house. I roll my eyes before settling them on Mack, who opens the folder and shows me where to sign. I read over the contract, making sure that I'm not signing my life away to the devil. "Why is the seller's name blank? Isn't that necessary?"

"The seller would like to remain anonymous and has agreed to sign the contract at an undisclosed location. I can assure you that this contract is in no way a fraud."

I hesitantly sign the contract before handing her my cashier's check, awaiting her call to my bank to confirm my funds.

As I wander into the living room, I see Anthony resting on the black couch, asleep again as if he hadn't just sprinted through the house in excitement. I could almost smile at how peaceful he looks, but I'm too envious of his carefree personality to smile. I hope he doesn't intend to bother me anymore.

Mack calls from the entryway, startling me as she walks over to give me my copy of the paperwork and the keys. She smiles as she puts her hand on my shoulder and wishes me the best, sure that she would see me again in this small town. I see her out of the door and sigh as the door closes, placing my back against it and sliding down, burying my face in my hands as my emotions overwhelm me. I can't stop the tears from streaming down my chin as sobs escape my throat, wracking through my body.

"Are you okay?"