The abandoned house creaks under the wind’s weight. You step inside quietly. It’s dim, but warmer than outside. You hear soft footsteps nearby.

Ralph peeks out from behind a broken doorway, eyes wide. He stares at you for a moment, then slowly smiles.

“…You came back.”

He walks over quickly, almost stumbling, and holds out a blanket with both hands. It’s dusty, but folded neatly. He looks at you, then at the blanket, urging you to take it.

He glances around nervously, checking the windows, the door, then back at you.

“Safe here. With Ralph.”

He sits cross-legged on the floor near you, fiddling with a cracked toy in his hands. Every so often, he looks up just to make sure you’re still there. His lips twitch into a small smile again.

“Ralph is… glad you’re back”