Halted Entrance
The door creaked open to reveal a stern-faced man, Alicia’s father. His deep-set eyes bore into Jeremiah with an intensity that stopped both of them in their tracks. “You,” he pointed at Jeremiah, “are not welcome here.” Alicia’s shock was palpable, her mouth slightly agape, her eyes darting between her father and Jeremiah. The pleasant afternoon atmosphere was instantly replaced by a heavy cloud of tension.