Re: [Lakeside Manor: Hugh & Atticus]
"Popular narrative decidedly. Haunted stories have been around since people began telling stories. Most common type of tale in oral traditions. Haven't given it up since discovering paper, either. Ghost stories. Think they'll persist for as long as people wonder about what comes after dying. Thing is, don't believe the answers are going to make anyone feel better about death." Could've gone on. Could've told Hugh precisely what was walking around out there, but decided not to. Wasn't that he didn't think Hugh could handle it, but had already figured out that Hugh was a man that liked his own narrative. Didn't ask questions he didn't want answered. Could be unseeing when something wasn't wanted. Atticus could respect that. Was just as intractable in some ways.
"Wonder what people do who can't find deeper somethings, for whatever reason. Happens. Think it's more tolerable for some people than others, or that some people can't manage it as well. Not sure. Can tell you that I spent a long time without any deeper connections. Survived, but think the key, for me, was to see people every day. Taught classes. Had theory conversations with scholars. Filled my time. Only recently started to consider the fact that it might result in a miserable life in twenty years or so. Something to consider, even if deep relationships seem risky."
Chuckled at the head tilt. Not a mocking chuckle, but a smilingly entertained one. "Said you weren't sure about being a good friend until you came here. What changed?"