London (10)

Year 1863

Xander's smile continued to widen. "Have you ever met any other kids besides me?" he asked, purely without any ill intention.

But Thea's expression seemed to be misinterpreted by Xander. He then shut his mouth. Xander knew he had brought up the wrong topic. He cleared his throat.

"Uhm-"

"Would you like to take a walk outside?"

Thea cut him off and offered walking at the backyard. After a while, Thea finally answered Xander's question.

"No, I never met the other kids," Thea hoped never to see them again. They walked side by side without a word.

Meanwhile, Xander's eyes slowly stared at Thea's nape. She, who was sensitive, immediately realized that.

"Would you like to see it?" Thea asked.

Xander shook his head, “Oh no. I'm sorry. It became habit, you knew it.”

The two of them then fell silent, both busy with their own thoughts. “Did the Wilkess family treat you well?” Xande