the crisp january wind tousles raven locks . posture tense as soon as he steps out of the car . << HOME ( ! ) , HOME ( ? ) >> ahead : hill house , ---- just like he remembers it . tall , and ominous , and dark . it stands proud , giving no evidence of the passage of time . he feels frozen ---- hesitant of crossing the heavy wood door . it really feels like no time has passed , like mom was to come out and call him for dinner anytime soon . his leg is starting to shake a little . anxiety .
it is a loud noise that breaks him out of his trance --- “ jesus , “ left hand tightens around the handle of his suitcase , and the right one runs through his hair . uncomfortable . he offers a smile that does not quite reach haunted brown eyes “ how long have you been standing there ? “