Charlie hadn't considered going to the ball, not with the case still open, but the tuxedo in his closet mixed in with the tailored and high end label suits had made him curious. He wondered who he would see, and he wondered how many of those from the asylum would be present. They had talked to a few of the couple's friends, and some of them had said that the pair had started keeping company with other asylum staffers. Perhaps, whatever had happened in the asylum had done something to another staff member, or perhaps he would learn more information. Or maybe he just wanted to get dressed up and go somewhere new and different.
He looked dapper and then some in the tux. He liked the way it felt, but he felt a little lonely without someone there. He couldn't ask Jennifer, seeing as she had her own boyfriend. He couldn't ask Ted because he wasn't sure how his friend would react to this sort of extravagance. He didn't really have anyone else to ask. He need to make more friends; yet another opportunity the masquerade presented.
He handed over his invitation and thanked the party staff for the hat. A top hat that went nicely with the tuxedo. He felt younger, like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders, as if years were gone. The box seemed like an awkward gift, but it would wait until later. Right now, he had a party to attend.