Author's Note

entry #2

surprised to see me back so soon? yeah same honestly
here's a short story that I wrote last year for latin that I totally forgot about! edited slightly for clarity and because some of the words were originally latin vocabulary lmao. enjoy!

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originally entitled
"the stranger"

The day had been long and brutally hot, and the poor messenger couldn't wait to get out of the city. As the sun began to set, the messenger, wandering along the shore, happened upon a small inn on the wide, rocky beach. It seemed to offer solace after a bitter day of work - running to and from rich, impatient patrons, delivering trivial letters and announcements. The last few days of light fell on the worn door as the messenger gingerly stepped inside.

The place was cool and homely, nearly empty save for some spare furniture and a single innkeeper behind a wooden counter. The messenger, not having much to show for his labor, approached the counter to seek an affordable room for the night.

"Excuse me - I would like a small room."

The innkeeper glanced up, transfixing the messenger with a bright and gray-eyed gaze. "I think that can be arranged. I - well, you can probably tell I don't get many customers." A small smile.

The messenger, startled at their mild tone and manner, regained his tongue. "Er - yes. I could see that."

The innkeeper only chuckled warmly at his discomposure and began to ask the messenger about himself, gesturing for him to sit down. Before long, the pair were deep in conversation, something the messenger had not known he longed for, exchanging stories and sweet smiles. Too soon, the evening became night, and the messenger found himself wishing that this simple interaction would last forever. All of a sudden, he grew serious. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"For listening to me. People tend not to. Well, most of the time."

The innkeeper simply looked at him, curiously and openly. "I happen to think you're worth listening to."

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