Two days had passed before he surprised us with another visit. And if he had seen Beth looking out the window, he kept it to himself. He brought us more books, more food – more anxiety. He had shown up again the next day, and the day after that. Each time the door opened, I held my breath. He had become unpredictable, and so once again, we stopped working on our escape.
His visits were quick and, for the most part, silent. He"d walk into the room and look around, his survey always ending at the window. He"d chuckle under his breath and grin at some inside joke. Then he would leave.
His appearance had changed as well. His once bright white hair had dulled with dirt. He no longer changed his shirts and wore only the purple one stained with sweat and whatever else he"d spilled on it. His pe
