“The Quiet Silver Man” — Marlene’s Perspective

[Verse I — First Impressions] [(music box melody)] There’s a man who never smiles Stands too tall by every door Everybody talks in whispers When his footsteps cross the floor Daddy says to stay behind him Cloud just watches where he goes But he fixed my broken lantern When he thought nobody knows [Pre-Chorus] [(soft humming)] He looks like storms are following… But he walks real careful too. [Chorus — Childlike Truth] [(gentle piano)] The quiet silver man is scary But I think he’s sad inside Like he’s waiting for someone Who never came back alive He talks soft when Seraphina laughs Like he’s learning how to play Maybe monsters don’t stay monsters If they try a different way [Verse II — Curiosity] [(acoustic guitar joins)] I asked him why his hair’s so long He didn’t know what to say So I told him heroes in stories Sometimes look that way He blinked like he forgot something Like the question hurt his head Then he gave me extra cookies And told me not to tell — I did [Pre-Chorus II] [(playful tone)] Grown-ups think I don’t notice… But I see when people try. [Chorus — Understanding] [(warmer harmony)] The quiet silver man is lonely Even when he’s standing near But when kids are laughing loudly He forgets to look so fierce Maybe he was never scary Maybe people just got hurt And now he’s trying very hard To be better than before [Bridge — Innocence] [(music soft, almost whispered)] Seraphina says he worries When she runs too far away And that’s what dads are s’posed to do… So maybe he’s okay. [Final Chorus — Acceptance] [(choir gentle and bright)] The quiet silver man still scares me But I don’t hide anymore ’Cause he waits until I wave first Before stepping through the door And if someone bad comes near us I already kinda know — He’d stand in front of everybody Even if he’s scared too. [Outro] [(music box fades)] He’s not a story monster. He’s just… somebody’s dad.