15) I am not a thief. I want for nothing. As though it is up to me. Dr. Creep will not let me go hungry or remain cold for long. He clothes me, shods and delouses me. That he maintains my health is his greatest gift. However fine this situation has proven up to this point I should like to know what I might do left to my own devices and how I might get along by myself in this awful world. Could I find clothes? Shoes? Could I feed myself? Up to a point, let's not get all worked up. But what if I took an infant's step, just to see.... So, I stole a book from the downstairs library, the one heavily illustrated in the matters of local myths and legends. I am proud of myself. So far so good. No repercussions. Have I discovered limits to the good Doctor's intelligence? I was giggling when I hobbled downstairs to steal another three books. Bad me! I have no idea what they are about. Shall I dare steal them, too? Hoho. I leave them, but I could have taken them. And still nothing has happened to me! I may not be a thief but I think I am a bit of a liar. Maybe Dr. Creep has no moral compass. Or, more likely, as my excitement chills in recognition of a pattern, maybe he wants me to see this myth book. Diabolical.

It is late in the day. I am beginning to wonder what has happened to my hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Comosellama.

My worry heightens when I see below my window what appear to be the police. And darn, if they don't have the pebble tossing teen in their back seat. He is out in a bolt, gesturing at my visage. Instinct tells me to hide. The police must be kicking the door. I take the book I stole fair and square, stuff it in my backpack, and look for a way out.