Dracula watched with mild interest- waiting to see if he would turn back and say goodbye. Or even a thank you!
But the self righteous cop slithered out of the gate with excitement in his heels- leaving ingratitude in his footprints on the sand. He didn't turn back- not even a glance!
Dracula shrugged- heaving his shoulders down.
If Tom had glanced back- even for a moment, he would have caught the fatigue in the alchemist's eyes. If he had been not so hasty, he would have seen the drowsiness etched at the corners of the old man's face.
But Tom was already far gone- racing towards the city- energized at the thought of a hunt.
So, that was why he missed the sight of the old man slumping into his hammock- fatigue locked in his eyes. Despite the fact that the midday sun was still high up in the sky, somehow, Dracula managed to fall asleep.
----------------------------
