Welcome to Stories from Among the Stars.

You're listening to The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Clune, narrated by Daniel Henning.

12.

There was a knock at the door to the guesthouse later that night. Linus frowned and glanced

up from his report to look at the clock. He was almost ten, and he was about to call it a night.

He was nearly finished, but his eyes were crossing, and the last yawn had been jaw-cracking.

He had decided to finish tomorrow tomorrow before having to mail off the

report the day after. He stood from his chair. Calliope barely acknowledged him from her perch in the

windowsill. She blinked slowly before curling her face back under her paws. Linus scrubbed a hand

over his tired face as he went to the door. He was thankful

he hadn't yet put on his pajamas. He didn't think it was proper to greet a late-night guest

in sleep clothes unless said guest was staying the night. He opened the door to find Arthur

standing on the porch. Peacote pulled tightly around him.

The nights were growing cooler, the wind off the sea carrying a bite to it.

Arthur's hair was ruffled on his head, and Linus wondered what it felt like.

Good evening, Arthur said quietly.

Linus nodded.

Arthur, is something wrong?

Quite the opposite.

Oh, what is it?

Do you mind?

Arthur asked, nodding toward the house.

...