Solace in Solitude?

[Jan de Witt]

(Theophilus "Theo" Walterson continued from They're Magically Delicious!)

By the time Theo finally reached the group of houses at the bottom of the hill, the sun had already begun setting. He had taken meandering route down the hill, and when he finally arrived at the first of the smaller houses surrounding the mansion he decided to rest for the night rather than risk being found outside while trying to get there.

Entering one of the less dilapidated looking houses, he investigated the rooms to find something of use, but found nothing except a few books in poor condition. From one of the bedrooms, Theo could see one of the houses was occupied already. He closed the threadbare curtains and tried to ignore the people inside it, hoping he wouldn't be discovered. After taking a few small bites out of a piece of his bread, he settled himself down and tried to sleep.

As much as he tried, however, sleep did not come easily to him. The sense of danger didn't go away, and instead fed into a growing unease that made what little sleep he did get troubled and fitful. After waking up suddenly for the fourth time, still exhausted, he had had enough. Somewhat groggily, he waited for his eyes to adjust to the darkness before stepping outside and walking out towards the mansion.

(Theophilus "Theo" Walterson continued elsewhere)