The morning sun hit the white front doors of the grand estate with a bright glow.
A young woman named Sarah adjusted her white apron before stepping outside to sweep the front porch.
She had worked for the rich family inside the mansion for nearly two long years now.
She noticed a man sitting quietly near the open double doors with a faded brown bag.
His face was covered in dust, and his dark jacket was torn near the shoulder seam.
He looked exhausted, as if he had been walking down long dirt roads for weeks.
Sarah felt a sudden surge of worry inside her chest as she watched him try to stand.
She set her broom against the tall stone pillar and took a slow step forward.
Sarah: Sir, are you alright? Can I get you something to eat?
The man paused and wiped his brow with the back of a calloused hand.
He did not look like a threat, but he carried a heavy sadness in his eyes.
He reached deep inside his coat pocket and slowly pulled out a shiny gold object.
It was a gold pocket watch attached to a worn silver chain that caught the light.
Sarah took a quick breath as her eyes fixed on the intricate crest engraved on top.
Sarah: This watch... Who are you?
Man: I own this house, and I have finally come back home today.
Sarah backed away slightly because the man spoke with absolute certainty and calm strength.
The owner of the house had vanished five long years ago after a boat accident.
Everyone in town believed Arthur Vance had died out at sea during that terrible storm.
His younger brother Richard had taken over the estate and all the family bank accounts.
Richard had changed the staff and ruled the property with a very cold heart.
Sarah looked closely at the dirty man standing right in front of her now.
His eyes matched the large oil painting hanging high in the main entrance hallway.
She realized that Arthur Vance was standing on his own front steps after all this time.
Sarah: Mr. Vance, everyone told us that you were gone forever.
Arthur: My brother made sure people thought that way about me for five years.
Arthur gripped his pocket watch tightly as he looked up at the huge front balcony.
He knew that entering his old home would start a very difficult fight today.
Sarah knew she was taking a big risk by helping a man who looked poor.
She stepped aside and held the front door wide open for the rightful owner.
Sarah: Please come inside before anyone sees you standing out here on the porch.
Arthur stepped onto the polished marble floors that he had designed himself years ago.
The familiar smell of cedar wood and expensive perfume filled his lungs immediately.
He was finally back inside his family estate, ready to confront the past.