Who: Dietre and Nikhil. What: D goes for a nighttime walk and also is kind of a stalker. When: Wednesday night. Where: Nikhil's office. Rating: Low? Status: In progress.
He couldn't sleep. As much as he'd like for Gloriana's gifts to sooth him into slumber, they couldn't, not even infused with the girl's sweet intentions as they were. His mind wouldn't stop. He imagined shapes moving in the corner of his vision, and even with the lights on, there was something ominous about his room. Dread kept sleepiness at bay, giving him unwanted energy. He was restless, distracted, couldn't read, couldn't write. He conjured up his dog and the sight of it standing sentinel at the foot of his bed comforted him somewhat. But not enough, not nearly enough.
Dietre's thoughts strayed to all the kind offers of support people had given him over the journals. Glorianna's, Penelope's...Most of all, his tutor's. His lessons with Mr. Guy were the bright spots of his week, he was seized with a determination to please the man. He obsessed over making sure every assignment was perfect, all in the hopes of gaining his tutor's praise. It didn't occur to him that doing well could possibly shorten their time together, the point of a tutor was because you were behind, after all.
Mr. Guy had said he could talk to him if he wanted, and he did want to. Terribly. He just...couldn't. In his silent, empty room, he felt so lonely. He could maybe call Mr. Guy...but no, it was too late at night for that. His insides twisted up with indecision. At the very least, he couldn't just continue to lay there anymore, it was driving him mad.
He got up, dressed, and headed outside. His parents weren't likely to notice him being gone, and even if they did, he doubted they would worry all that much. He had taken to going on walks at night. Sitting still was bad, his thoughts would run wild if he didn't distract himself. Walking seemed to be the best remedy for his anxiety.
He never left home with any destination in mind but often he'd end up in some familiar place, like the dance studio, the library, the park...Tonight he found himself staring at the building that housed Mr. Guy's office. It wasn't the first time he ended up there, and likely wouldn't be the last. Sometimes there would be a light on in a window, the sight of it was always oddly comforting.