I did originally post a different third chapter, but it just didn't work and was awful. Here's a short yet better than original chapter three!

(T_T) - me contemplating my decisions.


A boy ran into the compartment, sticking his head through the small doorway.

"Not too long now, guys!" he popped back out into his own compartment. Humphrey sprung up in his seat, tapping Richard on the shoulder repetitively, but he pulled away.

"What's up with you?" Humphrey asked, somewhat annoyed. Richard leant against the window. He was lost in thought - already homesick - with a headache provoking him further with every second that passed. There was a small draught from the window, making chills creep down his spine. Richard sniffed, shuddered, and shuffled further away from it.

"You really don't want to go, huh?" Humphrey smiled in apology for his previous tone. Richard shrugged.

"Guess I'm not entirely ready. What, being far away from home, strangers, hunting our own food-"

"What?" Humphrey raised an eyebrow, completely baffled by the statement. "They provide food there, you dingus." he hit Richard's arm lightly, and the boy couldn't help but suppress a smile.

"It's just, my Great Uncle gave me this little pocket knife. I'd got it into my head that we'd end up scavenging for food ourselves!" Humphrey chuckled, but Richard just sighed and leant back in his seat again. "I really am a dingus."

"Don't say that! If you're a dingus, what's that make me?" he chortled again.

"A bloody imbecile," muttered Richard, quiet enough so Humphrey was clueless to what he had said. However, if he had been louder, it probably wouldn't be any different in the eyes of his acquaintance. "Good job you're cheerful enough."


"Your suitcase." Humphrey handed it to him, and Richard struggled to get a proper hold of the thing.

"Thanks," he grunted. The two turned to a man in a light suit and tie who was trying to get the attention of all the boys.

"Everyone!" he demanded. "Please follow me! Off to the school grounds!" Humphrey gave Richard a little nudge, and he couldn't help but notice Humphrey grinning. He slapped Richard on the back - a little too hard for his liking - so he pulled away.

"Come on! Aren't you excited?" Richard just shrugged and Humphrey heaved a sigh. "Aren't you ever excited by anything?"

"Of course!" Humphrey raised an eyebrow. "I'm not joking!" Richard held his hands up in what he hoped Humphrey would take as insouciance.

"When?"

"Excuse me?"

"When are you ever excited about anything?" Richard shrugged.

"Whenever the newspaper comes in. When I get a new book. When Dad might, in fact, acknowledge my achievements-"

"You're a sad child."

"No..."


Ok, this chapter was pretty short. Next chapter is going to be further in time - a month or so later.

I realised that any parts before that would be boring to write so I thought since I'd be COMPLETELY DEMORALISED it just wouldn't be a good chapter (or more I don't know)