#aerithweek2022

The train to the Upper plate was being re-routed around to one of the other sector lines before making its ascent. Current delays put it at under an hour at least.

A frustrating development; Aeris should have left earlier. The big new play opened tonight and her plan had been to get outside the theatres and be in position ready for gifts for dates, last minute aquisition of bouquets for significant or dramatic performances.

An hour's delay meant she might not arrive before the theatre began letting out and have to fight through the dispersing crowd and try to sell things as she went.

The train rattled and shook as it followed the rails, re-routed off the normal course, the windows rendered black as the train went into a tunnel and navigated the hidden underground. Her reflection scowled back at her.

Aeris sighed. Not a good look.

Get back into character.

Her faint reflection vanished as the train exitted the tunnel and rolled into another station. The tinny voice announced they had arrived in Sector Seven. and a large chunk of the passengers got off; presumably not willing to take the extra time to get topside.

She should too, but she would need to walk all the way back home, and a bad day's sales were still sales.

A girl about her age boarded and sat hunched on a seat near the door, all nerves and unfamiliar but trying her level best to not seem like it. She clutched her ticket tightly in her lap, her gaze fixed on the floor.

Poor girl. Must be new to the city.

The train pulled away as Aeris got to her feet and she swayed. A lurch and she grabbed at a support and fell rather than sat in the seat beside the girl.

"Hi," she said.

The girl's head twitched towards her, but she stayed silent.

Unperturbed, Aeris continued. "Not sure if you heard, the train's going to be delayed getting topside."

"'s fine," the girl muttered.

Speaking was a good start. "Yeah, I don't mind either. Almost good to be going anywhere."

The girl cleared her throat. "Needed to get out in the open again."

Aeris nodded. "Can be claustrophobic in the slums." Or at least other people said similar. What was it like outside of Midgar?

"Not used to it." She inhaled sharply and shook her head. "Sorry."

"Hey, its okay." Aeris. "And I know the area around the station pretty well if you want any directions."

The girl looked at her; beautiful red eyes. "I- Thank you." She smiled.

Aeris offered her hand. "Aeris."