The Dolly in the Trunk, Part 1

Sometimes, dear reader, the flesh is willing, but the spirit is weak. Such may be said for Hoddin Nutterlin. Hoddin the merchant has the kindest disposition of any man in Thimblecross. Since his wife and child died, he often fills his lonely hours with a kind word or minor act of service. He's quick to spoil the few children in town with a sweetmeat wrapped in waxed paper or linen scraps.

No one ever accused Hoddin of being brave, however.

This is the tragic tale of Hoddin's good intentions and Ellie Thatch's lost doll. Thatch being the maiden name of Ellie Blythe, for those keeping a careful accounting of Thimblecross.

The gentle reader can answer for themselves the question: "Is discretion the better part of valor?"