"Yeah," Johnny said.  He paused for a moment to think about how he should answer the question.  This girl just accepted him and a few strangers into her home, but he felt being honest would put her off a bit.  He knew he was a fuck up in life, but she didn't need to know that.  She needed someone who would have her back, and he would.  "Uh, I was unemployed.  Nothing special.  So, you run this whole place by yourself?  I mean, besides the help from James.  Doesn't it get lonely?"

He had gandalf moving right beside her, calm and steady now.  He pet the animal as he trotted along, enjoying the rising sun as it showered its light through the fields.  


--------------


Ethan was following James to the entrance, also riding along side the kid.  

"So what grade are you...were you in?" he wondered.  "I teach high school students down at Mellington High.  My wife does too.  I hope you get to meet her, she would like you.  She always liked hardworking kids."