The early morning light shined through the glass of the windows of the manor, creating their own pictures on the wooden floors. The orange tint of the sky mixed with the light yellow of the rising sun, creating a painting in the sky, which dragged across the visible atmosphere.

Sally dragged herself from her room, creaking the door open before she wandered out. The cold air of the woods around the manor made her shiver, but the gaps of sunlight spots seeping in warmed her as she passed through them.

The velvety material of her pajamas swished as she advanced through the halls of the manor. Her hair bounced as she fastened her steps, arriving at the kitchen in less time than it would usually take her from her room.

It was early in the morning, probably around 4:45AM if Sally were to make a guess.

She entered the kitchen, only just noticing the man sitting at the island, holding his mask in his hands, turning it over and inspecting it. His yellowish-tan hoodie was draped over the kitchen stool, having not fallen as his body held it in place.

“Tim..?” Sally croaks, curiosity present in her voice. She’s gripping the hem of her shirt, playing with the loose strands of material that have escaped their stitching.

Tim looks over, a glint of panic showing in his eyes before it dims at the sight of her. Sally isn’t one to snitch, so he isn’t worried about not wearing his mask around her. “Mornin’, kiddo. What’re you doing up so early?” Sally shrugs at Tim’s words, stepping closer to him before she replies.

“Just woke up early, I guess. Might’ve been the sun too, ‘s pretty bright.” Tim nods in understanding and agreement at her words, narrowing his eyes at how her body shivers slightly.

“Well, since we’re both up, wanna go somewhere with me?” Sally raises an eyebrow, but her curiosity is piqued.

“Like where?” She asks, observing him as he gets up. He rests his mask on his hairline, so he can have it without having to carry it around. He throws his jacket over his shoulder, waking closer to the kid.

“There’s a diner not too far out from here. It’s a bit of a drive, and it’s small, but it’ll be open once we get there. It also has good food.” Tim explains, already making his way towards the exit of the manor, Sally following behind.

“How good of food?” Sally questions, causing Tim to snort in amusement.

The two had made their way out of the manor by now, standing near Tim’s truck as he rummages his pockets for his keys.

“Better than whatever crap you’ve gotta eat in there.” Tim gestures towards the manor with a nod of his head.

Sally looks back at the mansion-like structure she resides in everyday. No one’s up but her and Tim, Slender isn’t even around the manor right now.

“Let’s get going then!” Sally exclaims, rushing to the other side of the truck to hop in, a smile filling her face as she hears Tim laugh.

The door unlocks and the two hop in, closing the doors behind them. Tim fastens Sally’s seatbelt, then his own. He pressed the key into the ignition, starting it up.

“Alright, kid. You good? Seatbelt good?” Sally nods at both questions. “Then let’s get going.”

Sally admires the way the trees rush past her vision as the truck drives by. Their leaves blur, the ground moves. Sally feels calm, serene.

The truck stops once they reach the parking lot of the diner, Tim twisting his key and shutting the engine off.

They hop out, meeting each other at the front of truck and walking through the glass doors of the diner. It makes a chiming noise—like a bell—as they enter, and the faint sound of music fills Sally’s ears. There’s barely anyone there besides the staff and a few booths/tables of people.

A lady with curly hair and a warm—yet fake—smile greeted them, leading them towards booth. Tim and Sally sit across from each other and the woman places two menus on the table, immediately asking what they’d like to drink. Tim orders water for both of the and the lady is off, leaving the two of them at the booth.

They both look over the menu, the pancakes immediately catching Sally’s eye. She hasn’t had pancakes in a while. Toby has tried to make them, but the materials were too expensive, and they both feared asking Slender for such things, same with any other proxy.

They had a picture with maple syrup being poured over the fluffy dough, hitting the slice of butter that lay atop of the stacks.

“What’re you thinking of getting?” She snaps her head up at Tim’s voice.

“The pancakes. You?”

“Just the breakfast combo.” Sally hums in acknowledgment.

She looks around the diner, taking in the red and white theme, keeping her opinions about the decor to herself. She wants to fill the awkward silence between them.

“How often do you come here?” Tim seems to be in thought for a moment, thinking over Sally’s question.

“Almost after every mission. This diner is open pretty late at night and pretty early in the morning.” Sally makes an ‘ohh’ shape with her mouth.

“Come here with anyone?”

“Brian. Though, I prefer coming here alone. Less money I have to spend.”

A waiter comes by, sliding two glasses of water onto the table. Sally pulls her glass close to her and takes a few sips while Tim orders for the both of them.

The food comes soon enough, interrupting the twos conversation as the plates are placed onto the table.

The waiter leaves after they thank her and Sally stares at her pancakes in awe before grabbing a fork and digging in.

“Slow down, kid- you’re gonna choke-“ Tim’s voice holds amusement though, and he chuckles softly as Sally looks up, her mouth covered in syrup.

“Wrhah?”

“Nothing, kid. Chew your food.”

Sally shrugs and goes back to eating.

The sun has risen, and the blue of the noon has begun to peak through the early morning.

After the two finish eating and pay for their food and are now back in Tim’s truck, Sally gets hit with a bundle of cloth.

“Your… jacket?” Sally questions.

“You were shivering in the manor, still are.” Sally opens her mouth to protest. “Just keep it till we get back, kid. Not doing anything right now anyway.”

Sally pulls the jacket over herself, sighing in relief at the warmth that seeps into her bones.

The truck starts back up and the two are on their way. Sally rests her cheek against the window of the truck, exhaustion weighing her eyelids down.

Tim looks over, a small, soft smile filling her face. “Sleep well, kid.” He mutters, letting silence surround the two of them.

Quiet, squeaky snores fill the air, as well does the soft music that comes from the truck radio after Tim turns it on.

The drive back to the manor is comfortable.