&&. IT WILL ALL MAKE SENSE.

             “i don’t think too many people are actually going to be interesting in using a public telephone like this unless they’re into doctor who. that description isn’t ringing any bells. did your grandpa make a great escape from the hospital or something??”

         the boy’s voice is quiet, but it’s still not something she expects. her head swivels to the side to scan him, hands placed on her hips. “sure, i think everyone does from time to time,” she starts, easing up a little as she eyes the birds instead, canting her head to the side. “but you shouldn’t spend too much time wishing that you could. you have to deal with life and your problems at some point.” 

          “um.. sorry, i can’t say i have. it’s a big city, i’m not sure it’ll be that easy to find the people you’re looking for,” shelby answers, lips pursed and an apologetic look on her face. “can’t you just send these guys a text or call them??” 

        “simon -- in what world are you the villain?? we’ve ALL done things that we aren’t proud of and that we regret and that we hate ourselves for, but you are not a monster. you’re a HERO who saved us, okay, and you have another chance to keep being that hero, preferably without having to sacrifice yourself. you are GOOD, simon asher. don’t forget what happened but don’t let it hold you back from the future you get to have.” 

      “calm down, rambo, i just thought you’d like to know that’s probably the fifth guy to give you ( the look ) since i’ve been in here, so not counting when you were by your lonesome. you can still be a strong woman and appreciate some male attention. unless you’d prefer female attention, then i can understand the annoyance.” 

        “you don’t know??” her tone’s incredulous, disbelief apparent despite the fact that the boy obviously isn’t from the area. it’s still new york. “we’re in new york city -- are you okay, kid?? do you need me to call someone or something??”

           ❝ if you don’t say anything, you’re technically still lying by omission. maybe you should consider not doing something if it’s inevitable you’ll get in trouble somehow if it bothers you so much. ❞

           “sorry?? i’m.. not sure what that means.” it wasn’t unusual to meet odd people in the city, but coming up with a decent response wasn’t something shelby had gotten used to doing yet. “tea can definitely make someone feel better, for sure.”