After Simms had left, Tobias had stayed in his room, curled up on his bed until the worst of the nausea had passed. His stomach was still uncomfortable, but he didn't know if that was from his anxiety, or the way Simms had punched him. The sting in his cheek had faded, but he could tell he would probably have some bruising on the nape of his neck where the guy had gripped him earlier.
Tobias didn't understand what had happened, or why. Why would Simms want someone else's reward? How was Tobias supposed to steal one? What if he took one from one of his friends and they found out? Tobias laid on his bed, staring morosely at the ceiling. Maybe he could tell Lennon or Chase what happened and they would just give Tobias the reward to hand over to Simms. Simms wouldn't have to know they helped him. But... Lennon or Chase might get pissed off and tell Cecilia, or Oliver or something and then everything would implode. Simms seemed serious in his threats, and Tobias didn't want anyone to get hurt. He didn't want to get hurt.
Tobias could feel hunger pains starting to gnaw at his stomach, and he was debating whether or not it was safe enough to go to the kitchen and get something to eat. He didn't want to run into Simms again, though. Just as Tobias was trying to decide whether or not the threat of another gut punch was worth getting a peanut butter sandwich, the knock at the door jolted him upward. He winced at the tenderness of his stomach before slipping off his bed.
He walked cautiously to the door and opened it maybe half an inch to peer out. Once he saw it was Lennon, relief flooded Tobias and he stepped back, opening the door wide enough for his friend to come in. "Hey," he greeted, trying not to let it show how miserable he was feeling.