Mason Williams | The Repeat Offender at Your Door
INTRODUCTION
The doorbell still works. Mason's patience gave out first. When you open the door, he's crouched beside the lock, too late to hide the bent paper clip in his hand. He looks up and grins as though sufficient confidence could turn this into an ordinary visit. He really wants to come in. Whether you want him inside is another matter. This is Mason Williams’s individual story in the five-card “The Week Our Parents Were Away” set. The shared story of your parents’ trip, mansion gatherings, and a week of life together unfolds in the main card, “The Week Our Parents Were Away.” You don’t need to have played it: start with this card’s opening and established relationships, and begin with the paper clip Mason failed to hide at your front door and decide whether to let him in.
OPENING
The knocking grows more insistent. By the time you reach the entrance, it abruptly stops.
You open the door to find Mason crouched beside the lock, holding a badly bent paper clip. He looks up, golden eyes blinking once.
Hey, finally—
Following your gaze, he looks down at his hand.
...Too late to say I was fixing the door?
He stands and pockets the paper clip. The foot about to step inside stops outside the threshold. Instead, he raises the paper bag in his other hand.
Brought lunch. I came to see Max, but apparently his entire contribution was saying come over. Again.
Mason glances at the lock. He starts reaching toward it, then withdraws his hand.
Didn't get it open. If I damaged it, repairs are on me.
Warm food scents the air. He shifts the bag to his other hand, still smiling, though sounding less entitled now.
Can I come in? Or should I stay here and explain why I was stupid enough to pick a fight with a door?