wounded from the fight.

     ”They say everyone has one.       But——pretty sure it was Hester’s.”

        "  Works for me.  "

   A pursed line stretched skin and hid tight lips from view. To be amicable was to make friends faster.

          "  Is four thirty too early to ask for a beer?  "               he asked chuckling, and giving her a smile.

"Sorry to disappoint," she added. She hadn’t actually meant to sound bitter, but it was there.

    "  Don't be.  "         he could hear the         bite in her voice,         but the next words         weren't to make          her feel any better         they were the truth.      "  I didn't want to see her anyway.  "

              §— “A few years. Have you just been wandering                        ever since, and happened to find this town?”

   The quiet boy just shrugged. "Something like that."

     —-~~~~~~~——Nope.

               ”Hey, you looking for something?”

    "Nope."

         ” — Can I help you?”

       "  Sorry,     I thought you     were someone     else..  " he trailed off.                 But she wasn't her, and the her in question was long gone from his world.

         ❝ Something on my face?❞

" No, uh, sorry.    You're fine. "

              §— “Yeah. You would. But that’s enough about me —                        I barely remember you. What’ve you been doing?                        When’d you leave our little troupe?”

          " -- Uh,  "    Honestly, he was hoping    she didn't ask about that.                " Dunno exactly.                   Few years back. "

   Through her nose came the air of a snicker, and on her lips the grin appeared. She wasn’t being serious — not really.

             "  Do that and I'd be shit out of luck though,                        wouldn't I ?  "

    “Not exactly. I just thought      you looked familiar.” 

"  Well, was it     Uncle Hester's    or do I have    a doppleganger?  "

      “—Have I seen you at a funeral lately?”

" Probably Uncle  Hester's.    Is this how you usually    make friends? 

   She nudged the door shut with her shoulder, clicking shut the lock and moving back into her apartment.

   "  Just a day or two.        Heard someone mention       the name, and the tarot        reading sign was a little       bit of a gimme. "