Get some fresh air

You start moving slowly down the hallway towards Loretta's room, but as you're halfways there you get a bad feeling in your stomach. The old farmer has, after all, been very kind to give you food and lend you a room for the night. It just doesn't feel right to repay such kindness by sneaking in to his beloved daughter in the middle of the night...

Knowing you'll probably regret it for the rest of your life, you turn and instead slowly head down the stairs. Grabbing your jacket in the hallway, you open the door and step out on the porch, quietly closing the door behind you.

Time passes as you stand alone in the darkness, just listening to the sounds of the night and breathing the refreshing cold air. Then, when you're just about to turn and get back inside again, the door suddenly opens behind you and someone comes out and joins you on the porch.

For a few heartbeats, pictures of the young Loretta flashes through your mind, clad in only a tiny night-gown and standing next to you on the porch... Then you hear the old farmer's voice as he clears his throat beside you.

"Up early, lad?" He asks, looking at you with a raised eyebrow.

"Nah..." You reply, smiling regretfully. "I couldn't sleep, so I decided to get some fresh air. It's nice and quiet out here."

"Yeah, I know what you mean. I haven't taken my time to get out in the middle of the night myself for several years though."

"Mhmm..." You nod, waiting for him to continue speaking. After several minutes of waiting, you dare looking back at him. He just stands there, lost in thought and looking out into the night. "Sir...?"

"Hrmm...?" He mumbles, shrugging a little as he wakes up. "Oh, it's nothing... I was just thinking I might have misjudged you, lad..."

"Misjudged...?" You ask carefully. "You and your daughter has been most kind to me all day... I hope I haven't insulted you in any way?"

"No... No, not at all!" He assures you. "I was just thinking that... I'm not getting any younger, and if... Well... If I were to die some day soon, my poor little girl would be all alone out here, with no friends or any husband to help her out. A shame really, for she's one damn fine lass... And I would never forgive myself if she'd remain a prisoner out here just because of my damn old stubbordness."

He gives you a long stern look, and you return it with a questioning glance.

"It pains me to say, but she seemed to... take a little interest in you..." He clears his throat and looks down on his huge, strong old hands, almost as if embarrased to continue. "Umm... Anyway... I think I'll take a real long walk tonight. Might not be back 'fore morning."

"Want me to join you, sir?" You ask politely, still not quite sure where this weird little chat is leading.

"Umm, thanks for the offer lad... But you look pretty cold allready. You should get back inside and get some... sleep. Yes, sleep... I think there's at least one bed in the house that's still warm for you."

"Okay, sir..." You say, trying to pull yourself together after the old man's suggestion. "Umm... Well... good night then, sir..."

"Good night, lad." The old farmer scoffs, flashing you a slight grin as he heads out into the night...