You're twelve. Twelve. And kids your age don't stay up this late worrying about dying.
They watch dumb movies with their buddies. We're gonna watch one I think you'll like, it's called Young Frankenstein. Mel Brooks is freaking fantastic. Okay? Okay.
-Breaks off, trying to look enthusiastic, but has a telling amount of stiffness and discomfort-
What if there’s no better word than just not saying anything?-She sets up the DVD and sits down beside Ramona, arm over her more for her own comfort than the witch's-
-And they watch a monochrome Gene Wilder comedy classic-
What if there’s no better word than just not saying anything?-Explains some of the stranger elements and elaborates on some of the gags that rely on pop-culture grounding-
What if there’s no better word than just not saying anything?-Sandra grins-
-Then starts laughing along with her-
What if there’s no better word than just not saying anything?Yeah, yeah it's— eheh, the first time you see a comedy film is always the best time. I'm glad this one is your first.
What if there’s no better word than just not saying anything?-the door to the main room swings open-
-a man in an old, worn and heavy coat strides in, a cane in one hand and a heavy suitcase in the other-
-his similarly old and worn hat covering the bandages that cover his head, and the dark goggles that cover his eyes-
-he takes a moment to breathe in, and take in his surroundings-
-before he starts to head for the stairs-
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postGood.
I intend to stay here a while, though...
-his look lingers near the door, before shifting to the stairs and back again-
I don't believe introductions will be necessary.
The chances of us sharing extended conversation again are slim.
I am not a social creature. And I don't expect people to be looking into my affairs.
1.5 imperial gallons of tea were consumed during the writing of this postNo? You might unfortunately find your affairs examined all the same. I have found that people, on the whole, tend to be more curious, not less - and doubly so in a small locale, as this one is. Word, you see, travels... -flashes a predatory grin- Impossibly fast.
UN JOUR JE SERAI DE RETOUR PRÈS DE TOI

-Hugs her-
-This isn't her usual feel-good hug, this is something else-
-It actually hurts a little-
You're gonna— this is okay. You'll be okay. You're my number one priority, you're gonna— you'll make friends and all of this will stop mattering and I'll take care of it.
What if there’s no better word than just not saying anything?