@heliokrantor
( 陰の太陽 ) —
The sound of purposeful footsteps announced his coming. It couldn’t be helped. He had yet to settle in to the carefully laced shoes, proper, that had been forced onto his feet since the start of that week. They were, at least, once size too large. But, he would grow, of course. He should have been grateful. At least, that was what he heard. He had yet to decide if he believed it.
His sister, naturally, was easy to find. She was attended to at all times and no one refused him answers when he asked. Whether their kindness was out of shock or respect, he did not know. He did not care. His attention was on her.
He was supposed to be elsewhere--- out of sight, out of mind--- but he had, somehow, managed to quite literally fade away in front of that afternoon’s tutor. The walk to his sister’s rooms was not far. He knew the way well. He went to her often these days.
It felt far, though. Today especially--- Those damned shoes would have to go. He’d had enough of this dressing up. It made no sense. He never saw anyone anyway. Fools.
He did not knock when he found her parlor. He had yet to think of a reason to need to do so. And so, the large door swung open slowly, carefully. He entered without pause. Then, before he addressed her--- or anyone else in the room--- he carefully shifted, wavered in his awkward footing, and closed the door behind him. The click was so slight it might as well have not sounded at all.
He turned around, at that, an uncomfortable blend of satisfaction and discomfort playing in his face. Neither were particularly subtle. His eyes found her immediately.
“ They’ll find me here. ”, he warned. He did not, though, look worried. “ I always come here. ”
