"Close the door," commanded Ethan Thompson, standing with his back to the doorway as she entered.
Anna Ainsworth's heart skipped a beat, and she quickly obeyed, shutting the door swiftly. As the door clicked shut, her reliance vanished, and paradoxically, her heart calmed.
She was always like this; she felt timid when she had something to rely on, as if she feared everything. But as soon as that support was gone, she immediately became incredibly strong, and all traces of timidity disappeared in an instant.
With his back still to the doorway, Ethan Thompson only turned around after Anna had taken a few steps forward. He pointed to the sofa next to him, "Have a seat."
Anna shook her head, her posture formal, "No, thank you, I'll stand."
"Am I that frightening?" Ethan frowned, seemingly remembering that his former daughter-in-law, Jaylene Ziel, hadn't been afraid of him at all.
"It's not that. I'm just used to standing and listening when elders speak," Anna quickly explained.
