Dinner time

As the sun began to set over the farm, casting long shadows across the barnyard, Faith led you back towards the main house.

You noticed Faith's bare feet slapping against the hard-packed earth as she walked ahead of you, her long legs swinging effortlessly with each stride. You also couldn't ignore the sight of her whip-scarred back and wondered how she managed to get into such situations in the first place.

Faith led you inside, where the warmth enveloped you like a cozy blanket. You both make your way to the living room where Thelma and is watching television. The room is cozy and inviting, with faded flower wallpaper and a roaring fireplace.

"Evening, Faith," Thelma greeted her daughter with a warm smile. "Your father is still out in the barn, but he'll be in soon for dinner."

Faith let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. "Okay, Mom. Thanks." She turned to look at you, her eyes meeting yours briefly before darting away again. "Well," she began hesitantly, "I was just going to take a shower."

"Of course, Faith," Thelma replied with a smile. "You go on ahead. Your dinner will be ready soon."

Faith nodded, giving you a quick glance before heading up the stairs.

Thelma rose from her spot on the couch, turning towards the fireplace. "So, John, how are you finding life on the farm so far?" She asked, her voice low and soothing.

You were taken aback by her friendly demeanor. "It's been... interesting, to say the least." You replied, looking around the room.

Thelma chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "I can imagine. But don't worry, we're here to help you adjust." She turned to face the fireplace, reaching out to poke at the embers with a poker. "Faith's been showing you around, I hope?"

You nodded, your gaze drifting towards the stairs where Faith had disappeared. "Yeah, she's been showing me the ropes."

Thelma nodded in agreement, her eyes studying the flames dancing in the fireplace. "That's good to hear."

There was a moment of silence between you and Thelma as you both watched the fire. You couldn't help but notice how the warmth of the flames seemed to echo the welcoming atmosphere of the farmhouse.

Thelma broke the silence, turning to face you once more. "So, John, what are your plans for the future?"

You shrugged, taking a moment to think about your answer. "I'm not really sure, to be honest," you admitted.

After a few moments of awkward silence, the door to the living room opened and a tall man walked in. He nodded towards you, his voice rumbling with fatigue.

You turned to see who had entered the room, your eyes widening in surprise when you saw who it was. "Faith's father?" You asked, your voice a mix of shock and confusion.

"Frank, this is John," Thelma explained, turning towards the man.

Frank nodded, his eyes meeting yours briefly before looking away. "Pleasure to meet you, John," he said with a gruff voice that belied his kind smile. Frank nodded curtly in acknowledgment before turning his attention back to the fire. "Your grandpa told me you were coming," he said, his voice gruff but not unfriendly. "Thought I'd introduce myself."

Faith descended the stairs a few moments later, her bare feet making soft thuds against the wooden steps.

"Dinner's ready, everyone," Thelma announced, rising from her spot by the fireplace.

You, Faith and Frank take your seats.

The dinner table was set with a homemade meal: a thick, hearty stew filled with chunks of potato, carrot, and beef. There are four other people sat at the table, two men and two women. You ask who these people are.

"Oh, these are my kids," Thelma explained as she dished out heaping helpings of steaming food onto everyone's plates. "This here is Delbert and Hope, and over there is Earl and Mary." She gestured towards each person in turn, her smile warm and welcoming.

You nod politely, trying to remember everyone's names. As you eat your meal, your eyes can't help but drift towards Faith. She squirms slightly in her seat, trying to get comfortable as she eats her food, unaware of the lustful gazes being cast upon her.

After dinner, you help clean up the dishes while the others retire to the living room. As you dry the last of the plates, you can't help but steal glances at Faith as she chats animatedly with her siblings. You finish drying the last plate and join the others in the living room, taking a seat on the couch.

Faith, her bottom still smarting from her earlier punishment, squirms uncomfortably on the other couch, trying to find a position that relieves some of the sting. Her siblings chuckle softly, clearly aware of the situation but not making an issue of it.