Chapter 10: Companions
We got up and had breakfast. When we were eating at the little table, I asked him, “You go up to the manor house from time to time?”
“Sometimes. But not often. I’m supposed to, just to check everything’s okay.” He paused and then said more quietly, “I only go in there around noon. That’s when it’s the most—” He stopped and shrugged. I nodded, feeling I knew.
“I’m sorry,” I said, not knowing what else to say.
Hank seemed to understand, for he nodded. “It’s horrible,” he said. “Not just the—whatever. It’s the thought of him, or part of him, being trapped there like that. He used to say he felt trapped—I guess—I guess, he still does.” And with that he stopped, lowered his head, and began to sob.
I leaned forward and took one of his hands. He didn’t pull away, which
