Snippet #793398

Sarah's Household - Boston - 4:30 PM

The woman formerly known as Sarah William before she'd married was currently sitting in her living room rather than being at work like she should have been. Considering Sarah both owned and operated Mirror on the Green it was her purgative to close the shop up early and come home if she wanted to and today was turning out to be one of those times. At the moment no one besides Sarah was home which had given her ample time to mull over the strange phone call she'd received during the morning from her favorite and only brother.

While Toby Williams commonly wrote to Sarah and her family at least once a month sending postcards and trinkets from where ever he happened to be at any given time, Sarah had started to become slightly concerned with the rapid decline in his actual phone calls and visits home. Sarah couldn't help but shake the uncomfortable feeling that something was going on with him and that Toby was purposely not telling her about it.

"I've already talked to mom and dad. Did you know they've been renting out the old house over on Claybourn?" Toby had asked half way through their phone conversation.

"Yeah. Malcolm and I have been keeping it up for them since they moved to Florida. Dad wanted to sell it but you're mom couldn't do it. You were conceived in that house after all. Up until recently there was this sweet old couple renting it until the husband had to transfer to an assisted living nursing facility. For awhile we had some college students living there but its empty right now." Sarah had confirmed over her work phone.

"I know. Mom told me. I bring it up because I'm moving back to Boston, Sarah. I was going to look for a place to stay but Mom offered to let me use the house until I found a teaching job in town." Toby had explained.

"Wow. I'm...Surprised. I guess I never imagined you'd com back here long term. You don't have to stay there. You know? We do still have the guest room in my house. The kids would love if you stayed for awhile and Malcolm and I would be happy to have you." Sarah had offered.

"I can't, Sar. I mean...I'd love to but I've still got some personal work to wrap up and the old house would be a better environment for me right now. Of course dinner is always an option. You know I can never turn down Malcolm's pasta and your desserts." Toby had tried to keep his voice light and airy over the phone but he couldn't completely mask his actual mood which was far from chipper.

"Tobs are you OK? You calling out of the blue and telling me you're moving back home feels weird to me. What's all this really about?" Sarah had asked.

"I can't explain things right now Sarah but I promise I'm all right. Things have just taken an unexpected turn that's all. I'll tell you about it when I get into town and have time to settle in." Toby had promised.

Beyond that their phone conversation had gone on normally with Sarah talking about he daughters and bring up her husband's latest antics. Sarah had hung up feeling good about everything but as they day wore on a flutter of worry began to develop and now that she was home Sarah was almost positive that something was going on. She just had to wait until Toby got back into town to confirm it.