Soleil: Zero

Soleil: I woke and you weren't here. Please tell me you are safe.

The longest Jack had ever been employed prior had been three hours; his work history was spotty at best. To be fair the Court was likely the type of place of work that many in the town would have rather just avoid; but he was settling in and beginning to love it there. The atmosphere was strangely comfortable; dim lights and humming sound, populated by mostly those who would not venture into sunnier parts of town and it felt like an oddly natural fit.

He hadn’t expected it; also hadn’t expected how bizarre his new boss was or how quickly the hours would pass as he learned the ropes. It was actually better than Jack had hoped; he was growing at ease in slow waves the longer he immersed himself in the depths of the Court. Maybe it was wearing his walls down somewhat, digging under the rough edges as he spent more and more of his time there. Still residing just barely at the surface; no doubt there was so much more under those layers and his curiosity would drive him to find out what but for the time being it challenging enough to remember what sort of drinks were mixed how.

He had a little help with that of course; the Pumpkin King flickered around with pleased amusement over all the little conversations to overhear and spy on and all the reminders Jack needed when it came to that job.

Of course Jack still had to do the work and talk to people; a skill he was trying to develop.

“Ah, yeah; be right with you,” Jack was in motion on one side of the counter and made his way back to where the newcomer was waiting, trying to remind himself to look...friendly, “sorry, been a busy day. S’what can I get you?”

The warm summer weather, although refreshing compared to the cold, was leaving her covered in a layer of sweat on her daily walk. She was walking slower than usual and her water bottle was already almost gone. She had decided to take a shortcut home.

She was almost there when someone walking in front of her tripped over the poorly-maintained sidewalk. She jogged up to them.