Taylor woke up to the familiar sounds of seagulls crying outside the window.
As usual, Lennie's side of the bed was already empty and core and cool.
Not anting to waste the day, he got up to the bathroom.
While little slime hopped up from his pocket and settled itself lazily on the top of his silky hair.
He brushed my teeth, then proceeded to wash the sleep from his tired face.
After a few minutes, he headed downstairs.
"Look who woke up early gain?"
Lennie teased from behind the counter.
"I'm just trying to get with the program."
He said, though the words cut short.
"Hua…"
As a massive yawn escaped him.
"Ah-ha."
Lennie said sarcastically.
As usual she was sipping on her morning coffee.
The light catching the distinct sliver ring on her index finger.
"Well, you're early, but honestly, there's not going to be anything special happening today. Most people are spent from blowing most of their earnings on cheap booze.The tarven is fully stocked too, so I really don't have any errands for you to run."
"Really?"
He asked internationally his face into a look of disappointment.
Lennie blinked, leaning over the counter.
"Wait… your actually sad about that?"
"Yeah.'
He replied putting on his best melancholy expression.
"I just wanted to help you out today, I even got up early and…. everything."
The emotional blow landed quitely.
A wave of unadulterated guilt washed over her face.
Completely shattering her tough barkeep expression.
Before she could dwell much.
Taylor suddenly spoke again.
Starring the conversation where he wanted it to go.
"Well I suppose I could go explore the town instead… but I don't even know where to begin, besides I don't even… have any money…"
Lennie interjected smoothly, clearly eager to make up for her disappointment.
"If it's money you want, then don't worry.
She reached under the counter and pulled out three copper coins.
Sliding them across the polished wood.
"Here."
He stared down at the coins.
Then slowly looked back up at her.
Feigning a little hesitation.
"I… it's not enough isn't it? Don't worry I can give you more, if it isn't enough."
She said quickly.
In reality three coppers, plus the one sliver from one one's Angela had given him was plenty for a kid to wander around with.
But before he could even utter a single protest.
Lennie reached into her apron and pulled out two additional paper bank notes.
Slapping them down on the coppers.
"Here you go!"
"This is way too much…"
He said, staring at the sudden fortune in front of him.
"You don't have to spoil me like this. I don't even deserve it—"
"That's blesphemy!"
She immediately cut him off entirely, crossing her arms.
"You absolutely deserve it. Now go on out there and treat yourself with that money."
"Thanks a bunch."
He said quickly sweeping the coins on into the pockets of his shorts.
Taylor gave her a quick wave of his hand.
As he turned towards the exit.
*Well that was much easier then I expected.*
He thought, a quiet smirk playing on his lips.
Pushing the door open.
He stepped out into a crisp morning air.
***
I approached a colourful pastry stand.
The sweet scent of caramelized sugar and baked dough.
Making his stomach rumble.
"Good morning. Could I shave that, and that too…oh, and also a little bit of that over there."
"Okay, okay, okay… slow down."
A kindly, middle-aged woman answered with a chuckle.
Seemingly amused by his eager ordering.
"That'll be a total of twenty V."
She carefully wrapped the fresh pastries in a neat brown paper bag.
Taylor, reaching for his pockets.
Pulled out ne of the paper bank notes Lennie had gifted him.
"Here ya go."
He traded the note for the warm paper bag, holding it tightly.
"Thanks, have a nice day."
He said, waving a hand.
"No problem, you too."
The woman said in a warm smile.
While walking he pulled out what looked exactly like a glazed donut.
He took a massive, satisfying munch.
Taylor looked back at the bustling, lively town square.
*Hmmm… I can't believe they have snacks like these in this world.*
He thought, chewing thoughtfully.
The comforting flavour immediately pulled from his chest.
Making him remember the time Elda had gifted him and Liam sweet buns and they all shared the, with the others… he wondered if they were still alive?
A desperate fragile hope hope hung in his mind.
That there were still alive…
…That they had managed to board on a wagon to safety.
*Carol and Eli used to love these pastries.*
He remembered quitely.
"Haaa…"
Sighing, he tore a piece of sugary dough and pushed it down the pocket of his waistcoat.
"Here you go, buddy."
He felt the slime squirm happily against his chest.
As it absorbed the treat.
He had absolutely no idea if the slime possessed any kind of actual taste buds.
But it consistently seemed to enjoy the food he threw its way.
He chuckled slightly at its enthusiasm.
***
A/N:
[Sorry for the late chapter. Had some personal problems Inhad to deal with. So I'll be taking a break, a short one atleast… Don't worry I'll be back. The story will be even better.]