#(starter:open)

           A  GENTLE  SMILE  FORMS  on  isla's  face  as  she  pushes  through  the  flimsy  curtains,  eyes  lit  up  with  good  news.  "well,  it  looks  like  you  won't  need  stitches  after  all."  as  she  talks,  she  makes  her  way  to  the  sink  to  wash  her  hands  and  slip  on  a  pair  of  squeaky  blue  gloves.  "your  makeshift  bandages  are...  beautiful,  but  we  will  have  to  redo  them  and  then  we  can  get  you  your  paperwork  and  send  you  on  your  way,  how's  that  sound?"  although  a  question  leaves  her  mouth,  she  finds  herself  already  reaching  for  the  patient's  wounded  hand  to  pull  away  the  bandages.

                     MAGENTA  IS  FINISHING  UP  her  shift  at  gourmet  pastries,  wiping  down  the  counters  &&  getting  ready  for  closing  when  she  hears  the  bell  ring  as  the  front  door  opens  and  closes.  she  tucks  a  few  loose  strands  of  hair  behind  her  ear  before  looking  up  from  the  counter  &&  offering  the  customer  a  smile.  “hi,  welcome  in!”  magenta  gestures  to  the  few  remaining  pastries  in  the  display  cabinet  before  giving  a  slight  shrug.  “we’re  just  about  ready  for  closing  so  there’s  not  much  left  to  choose  from,  but  feel  free  to  take  a  look  and  let  me  know  if  there’s  anything  you  fancy.”

                     SHE  SITS  WITH  HER  LEGS  CROSSED  on  the  floor  of  like  a  broken  record,  her  back  against  the  wall  &&  her  hands  working  quickly  over  a  piece  of  paper.  it  was  kate’s  first  day  off  in  awhile  &&  she  happily  embraced  it,  deciding  to  use  her  free  time  to  sketch  out  a  few  of  her  favorite  places  around  town.  like  a  broken  record  was  her  first  stop.  though  she  loved  children,  not  being  around  a  screaming  horde  of  them  was...  well,  nice.  the  colors  on  her  page  began  to  pop  out  in  beautiful  arrays,  bringing  her  deeper  into  focus  as  she  tried  to  capture  the  energy  of  the  shop.  it  wasn’t  until  she  heard  someone  clearing  their  throat  that  kate  finally  glanced  up  from  her  page.  “i’m  so  sorry  —  am  i  in  your  way?”  she  asks,  quickly  gathering  her  belongings  &&  shoving  them  out  of  the  way.  it  was  a  fairly  narrow  path,  so  she  hugs  her  knees  to  her  chest.  “is  this  enough  room?  i  can  stand  up  if  you  need  me  to.”

Hey! What are you up to on this lovely Friday night?

“Okay, but...um...wait what were we talking about?” Scotts head was still all over the places since getting back from the vet office. So much had happened within one week that it clouded his mind a bit.