500

[Thomas Jerome Newton]

They fell into a rythm of small kindnesses such as these. Joe, knowing Alexis's single-minded nature, would pick up the kitchen when he visited, and in return Alexis would put a blanket at the foot of the couch whenever Joe fell asleep. Never over him, but just within reach, so whenever wanted it, it would be there. Alexis was strange this way. He was reserved. He never casually brushed against people, or looked directly at them when they ate. Without meaning to, Joe sometimes crossed boundaries he didn't know were there. Like once he noticed Alexis's clothes on the floor. They were rumpled and obviously dirty, and he took them with him next time he went to the laundry. Whenever he got back, Alexis was waiting for him by the door, a quiet look of panic on his small features. and whenever he handed the folded clothes back, there was a something there that reminded him of a rat. He didn't say a word. It was never mentioned, and Alexis did not act differently around him, but Joe never saw his clothes on the floor again. Nor were they in the hamper. Joe had no idea where they went.