Lightning flashed through the dark night and illuminated the decrepit old mansion and the single soul who resided there. As homes went, it needed work. A lot of work. The roof was crumbling in places, letting in the elements and fauna. Some of the walls were also crumbling, and where they were whole, mould and mildew set in. The wooden beams in the place had long rotted away along with the once fine furninshings and tapestries.

Yet, it was home. The only home he had. The only home he’d ever known. And truth be told, he didn’t mind the ruin. He didn’t mind the squalor.

The only thing he did mind was the loneliness. The constant, long, unending years of loneliness. The waiting to meet someone new. Anyone, he wasn’t fussy. Sure, a beautiful, young woman would be best, but he’d settle for an annoying insurance salesman. As long as…