#stringstaylor

The smell of the roast permeated the boarding house, and Juni’s own stomach reacted in kind, grumbling that it hadn’t been allowed any of it yet. Rather than allow it to continue its tirade, she nibbled on a scrap of carrot, and wiped her hands clean on the apron. Just as she thought to glance toward the clock to find the time, she began to hear it.

My Bonnie lies over the ocean So bring back my Bonnie to me...

Immediately, Juni perked up, giddiness bubbling in her throat as she recognized the voice, and quickly worked the apron off. Tossing it over the back of one of the chairs, she nearly dashed to the front door to receive her beau.

“You’ve gotta take it easy, mate.” Rat pleaded, himself the worse for wear but far more used to it than Strings likely was. They were both incredibly lucky to be alive still, injured as they were. “You move too fast and you’re gonna open things back up--that’s no treat at all, eh? Lay back again, there’s a lad.”

He hovered, feeling a sick sense of guilt lingering in his belly. His friend could have died. Biddy could have died. This was entirely his fault--well, the bombing wasn’t, but...he’d asked them to go. They should’ve been safe. They should’ve...