Vlad's secretary noticed he was coming in lately with dirt under his nails. The first time she'd noticed, she had asked after his well-being. Certainly he always looked pristine, never a hair out of place or wrinkle in his clothes. But he'd just given her a tiny, sad smile and told her he was fine.
He began to work later, more often than not leaving along with the janitorial staff. His casual visits to Amity Park became fewer and further between. She was certain, even, that he wasn't eating properly anymore. Now, along with scheduling meetings and directing phone calls, she found herself ordering lunch, and even dinner, to be delivered to his office.
"Whatever happened, sir," she said one day, lingering in his doorway. He didn't look up, but he paused typing. "I hope you feel better."
Vlad dismissed her with a silent wave.
Vlad tried to do better after that. He gave his poor secretary a raise and tried to be more jovial. He washed his hands more often before he left his home, truly he did.
But when he looked at the sprawling mint bush that marked Maddie's grave and saw the beginnings of weeds, he couldn't just leave them. Otherwise, it would mean he had forgotten the only companion he'd ever had.
A/N: This can be considered a continuation of chapter 10: Death.