"Filson was the smartest man in the whole Empire. He was dismissive of lesser men, but also kindly and courteous. He and I had by this point lived together as best friends-"

Lenny's voice saturated the surrounding space, a book held in his right hand as he recited it to you per your request. Lenny couldn't object; reading to you was one of his favored opportunities to invest time with you. With your head resting on his lap, his free hand toying with your fingers as his thumb grazed across your knuckles.

The breeze was crisp and lightweight, sweeping away the summer humidity that had infiltrated the natural environment. Trees rattled nearby as Lenny relaxed on the plush grass—his back against the rough trunk of a tree he had settled on. His sleeves had been bunched up due to the blistering temperature, and several buttons of his loose shirt were undone—but not enough, much to your displeasure.

"The riddle was, for him, over. Soon, he would be lethargic and bored, consuming morphine and consorting with all types of people in a bid to quell his lethargy, but now-"

As Lenny read through the novel which Hosea had leant him for the time being, his focus strayed down to you. And subsequently realised that your mind had veered again; you had always displayed that look in your eyes when you pondered of something else.

Lenny tilted his head slightly, giving your fingers a light tug to redirect your attention back to him. A lopsided smile tugged at his lips.

"Where's your mind wandered off to now?"