Ficlets

One evening, midway through a particularly boring dinner party, James stood up and excused himself from his family and the Lord and Ladies presence.

“James, where are you going at this late hour?” Called out Elizabeth, the daughter of the house.

“I just need some fresh air.” James answered back, somewhat smiling. “My house isn’t too far from here. I’ll walk home.”

“But James,” Elizabeth said hurrying after him out the front door “wouldn’t you rather stay here with me?” She said smiling coyly.

“Some other time Elizabeth.” James responded without turning around.

Elizabeth sighed to herself as James walked on “What a strange yet compelling boy.” He struck a sharp silhouette along the dark, brooding hills of the area surrounding Aleford. A full moon hung low in the sky.

“Why do I feel so empty, and so misunderstood?” James asked himself. “Why do I stand out so?”

He walked along the bank of a small stream. As he followed the stream with his eyes, he noticed a dilapidated mansion looming up ahead.