't Bolleken

In a sleepy Dutch village, the solitary house at the end of the long street—affectionately called “the little castle”—has long been the domain of Nonkelken. A wealthy, good‑natured bachelor, he drifts through his days with a steady rhythm: morning rounds at the local inns, afternoons spent hunting or riding to neighboring fairs, evenings filled with cards, billiards and lively conversation. His generosity and easy smile have made him a beloved fixture, respected as former mayor, archery‑club president and patron of the town’s brass band.

Yet the tranquil routine is shattered when a strange, tickling cough seizes Nonkelken’s throat, a dry hacking that grows relentless and unsettling. The villagers watch helplessly as he battles an invisible sensation that rises and falls like a restless ball inside him, hinting at a deeper mystery beneath his cheerful exterior. As his health wanes, old friendships and whispered rumors begin to surface, inviting listeners to explore the life of a man whose charm may conceal secrets only the close‑knit community can reveal.