The passage lies quiet between the study and the post, its stone walls holding the smell of dust, ink, and damp wool. Paul keeps Lewis's sealed reply flat among his papers.
Parsley
Before we post it, there is Edwin. Is he part of this correspondence, or are we leaving him outside it?
Parsley does not touch the papers. He faces Lewis directly, while Paul remains beside them, listening without offering an answer on Lewis's behalf.
Paul Foot
He ought to know what concerns him. But the truth should come from Lewis, not from our guesses.
Parsley
Then tell us only what you know. Did your father accept the truth about us, or did he merely postpone answering it?
At the far end of the passage, the post box waits beneath the gas lamp. The letter can still be sent, but the three boys now stand before a second decision: whether their promises beyond Malvern will include Edwin, and whether Lewis's father will be allowed to define the terms of that future.
✓ Quest Accepted
Tell Parsley the truth about Edwin’s feelings
“Lewis says that his father only postponed the answer. He asks Parsley if he has noticed the way Edwin acts around Lewis too? And if that is why he is asking?”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -2)
C. S. Lewis
My father did not accept it. He postponed the answer until I return. You have noticed how Edwin acts around me, have you not? Is that why you are asking?
The words leave the passage quieter than before. Parsley looks toward the post box, then back to Lewis. His fingers close around the edge of his blazer, a small, visible cost of hearing the question put so plainly.
Parsley
Yes. I noticed. And I heard him confess it, when he told you himself. I am not asking because it is a secret from me.
Parsley
I am asking because we cannot decide what Edwin ought to do by studying him from across a room. If we confront him, we must let him speak for himself.
Paul Foot
Together, then. Not an ambush, and not a verdict. We ask Edwin whether he wants to join the correspondence, and what he wants from Lewis, if anything.
Paul shifts the sealed reply beneath his arm, leaving the post box untouched. Parsley steps nearer to Lewis, though his hand remains clenched, and fixes his eyes on the turning of the passage where Edwin may appear after supper.
Parsley
Tomorrow we post the letter. Before that, will you stand with me when we speak to Edwin?
✓ Quest Accepted
Establish Edwin’s wishes about joining the correspondence
Quest Complete
Tell Parsley the truth about Edwin’s feelings
“Lewis nods and says that of course he will. He offers his hand to Parsley. He asks Parsley if he knows that Lewis will prioritize Parsley's feelings and agency in regards to their relationship. He doesn't know what Edwin will say or want, or how they will reply, but he wants Parsley to know that his boyfriend supports him plainly. At his side.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled -3)
C. S. Lewis nods. He reaches across the narrow passage and offers his hand to Parsley.
C. S. Lewis
Of course I will. Whatever Edwin feels or wants, I will stand beside you. Your feelings and your choice come first in our relationship. I want you to know that your boyfriend supports you plainly.
The last words carry farther than Lewis intends. They strike the stone passage and return in a faint echo. Paul glances toward the empty stairwell, then keeps his silence.
Parsley
I know. But hearing you say it here, without hiding behind cleverness, matters.
Parsley takes Lewis's hand. His grip begins cautiously, then steadies. The cost of the open declaration settles into the air, small but real, and neither boy withdraws.
Parsley
Then tomorrow we ask Edwin directly. Not whether he can fit himself into our arrangement, but what arrangement he actually wants.
Paul Foot
And we write that answer down only if Edwin agrees. The correspondence belongs to him as much as it belongs to the rest of us.
Parsley looks from their joined hands to the passage turn. The supper bell has not yet sounded, leaving them a little longer in the warm gaslight and the honest quiet.