Living in the Shadows: IC, your run might be over... Options

[paul_HArkonen]

07:20:15 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - Home, on the phone

I guess she is awake. "Hey, it's Blaze. You actually manage to get a reasonable night's sleep last night? or were you busy again?" Stupid. For all you know she was out with a job last night. You know for the experiance that I do have I can be a real moron a lot of the time...

Continuing quickly on top of his opening comment, "You know what, nevermind. I'm calling because I've found someone who may be a lead on Melissa, and if not may be able to help me find her. I've got a meet with him at 900 this morning, and it may run a little late, as in slightly past our scheduled meet time for the job. I'm calling so you won't wonder why I'm not there and to apologize."

Blaze finally took a moment to let Alleycat respond. I've been trying but I really do need to work on my people skills.

[Sedna]

[Repost from Jun 29 2005, 05:38 AM, in case it unfolds differently]

07:21:00 Saturday, January 7, 2063 - Auburn doss

A little late? Alleycat smiles to herself, half-surprised to find herself in a good mood. I'd pursued those voices, yesterday, and stepped through an astral portal, never even considering when or even whether I'd get back. If things had gone differently, I'd be a lot more than just a little late, and Blaze wouldn't have had the benefit of a heads-up phone call from me first.

"Sure, no problem. I'll let the Star know." She hesitates then, almost too long, her next words catch Blaze already starting to sign off and hang up: "Anything you need from me?"

[paul_HArkonen]

{effectively copied from Jun 29. Non-substantial dialogue edits for Blaze's speech style}
07:20:10 Saturday, January 7, 2063 - Auburn doss

"I found a lead on Melissa, at least I hope it'll be a lead," Blaze's voice comes through. "I don't know how significant it is, but I can't pass it up. It'll require a meet this morning, which might make me a little late for the meet later today, is that ok?"

A little late?[I] Alleycat smiles to herself, half-surprised to find herself in a good mood. [I]I'd pursued those voices, yesterday, and stepped through an astral portal, never even considering when or even whether I'd get back. If things had gone differently, I'd be a lot more than just a little late, and Blaze wouldn't have had the benefit of a heads-up phone call from me first.[I]

"Sure, no problem. I'll let the Star know." She hesitates then, almost too long, her next words catch Blaze already starting to sign off and hang up: "Anything you need from me?"

Blaze hesitates. "No, I think I'll be fine going solo on this one. We need to make sure that we have at least two of the team at the meet on time. Mine's a meet in a public place, so I don't think there's anything shady happening. Thank you for offering though."

[I]Will you now? When you called me up at 3 am the previous night to help you drag the waters? And then she shakes her head sharply: You looking to keep your claws tangled in him, or to help him? Or are you just pissed off because you've invested all that money and work into cultivating a resource and now it's looking like all of that's to be tossed away?

But she says only, "Null sheen. You have my number if you need it," and clicks off.

[WinterRat1]

08:18:01 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

The smile is quickly wiped off her face however, when she sees a familiar face out of the corner of her eye. What in the frag is he doing here...

Entering the door with a friendly smile towards Hobbes, who's working the counter, a wiry, muscular elf enters The Last Drop. He glances around casually, and then plops himself into a stool at the bar only two seats away from Anne.

He orders a coffee and some breakfast, and without looking towards her, speaks casually in a low voice, "Well well well, fancy running into you here. And what a change of image too. I'm impressed."

With a quiet, almost shy sort of voice, much like Anne, for indeed, she was Anne, Alleycat/Anne replied, "I'm sorry sir, but I believe you are mistaken. I've never met you before."

Chuckling, Sivalius replied, "Anne, Alianna, different names, different appearances, even different voices." He turns towards her, and even though she avoids eye contact, she can feel his eyes burning into her.

"But not different souls. And what a lovely soul it is. Like a flower newly bloomed in the midst of a barren field, your soul shines like the sun in the sky. I can see that you are a lady of mystery as well. So tell me, Anne, Alianna, whichever you prefer, what are you doing this evening? Particularly, might I be able to impose on you and squeeze myself into your social calendar?"

Is this guy stalking me, or asking me for a date? Or both? And how did he find me here? Should I respond to him as Anne, Alianna, or maybe even...Alleycat? Decisions decisions...

[Sedna]

08:18:01 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

Something unprintable briefly flashes through Alleycat's mind -- this kind of thing hasn't happened often before but it can and does happen; it's never been a question of "if", only "when" and how best to deal with it at that point? -- even as her own reflexes dump her into a dazzling no-time of receptivity, transparency, infinite connections, absolute clarity:

who
• in that place, with those reflexes: Sivalius = probable shadowrunner, possible company man or agent, other? cybered? Awakened? is he homo sapiens? shapeshifter? spirit? something else entirely? someone to be reckoned with regardless, set aside for now the what of him, but observe, and learn what makes him tick

how and why
• Hobbes = fixer, can't be too many of those in Seattle, maybe ten or so? too many more, and there wouldn't be enough work to go around
• say a 10% chance, then, if he's here on business (and he did acknowledge Hobbes, though he checked out the place even after seeing her)
• ... or maybe he is here just for the soykaf and the buzz, which isn't impossible, although you'd think I'd have noticed him before
• ... or maybe he did somehow trace me here, in which case there's an interest maybe by him, maybe someone else, in one of us. Can't rule it out ...

situation
• he's sure he met me last night as Alianna, he's sure we're the same person and isn't likely to consider thinking differently
• ... but he's kept it low-tone, not giving me away, and he's dressed low-key too (good thing, with all the cops around!)
• did he expect to run into me, here?
• and what's all this talk of souls, if he's seeing me for who I really am?

tentative possibilities

• did he take the light expected flirting of the previous night as something genuine? except for the talk of lovely souls, he sounds like Legoran! (ironic though, I'd intended to take him up on it tonight, a further connection if nothing else)

• is he treating me as he would respect another shadowrunner, without doing anything to undermine another shadowrunner's space?

a way out --

And she's clear of it, even as he's still saying ... your social calendar, waiting long enough for him to finish, and for her to lower her head, her eyes behind Anne's large glasses, a bit awkwardly:

"Er -- this is awkward." Quietly, to match his own lowered tone. "But I dressed up last night to check out this new place, an' pretended I was someone I wasn't. Wakarimasita? But it's just me, here. Though I'd still love to go on a date with you, if you still want to. But if you don't, I'll understand. Don't tell anyone?"

And, having resolved all that (and gone on, and in the process of dealing), another, reluctant connection insinuates itself into her thoughts: If I've never seen him before around here; why, for the first time, after -- Even in her mind and in her determination to be direct and hands-on aware she finds herself sliding around the memories, trying to avoid the reality in vagueness and euphemisms; and ends up finally with -- after yesterday?

[Moirdryd]

21:15 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Touristville, The Streets, Seattle
Fifteen minutes later, to the nanosecond, Knight's cell chimes to life.Checking the caller ID and confirming it reads as Portia, Knight cues up the call, speaking in sperethial.

"Portia, prescious. It wouldst seem I am avaiable to revel in your delightful company this eve, iffen the offer of my lady is still avaiable?..."

Portia's voice rolled back with its usual purr, playful, sensual and enticing. Rich with the lanuage of his homeland.

"My Knight, why would a lady ever rescind such an offer? " he can almost hear her smile " Head north by six blocks and wait for me at the little coffee place you find there..infact, tell them i sent you and you`ll even get some REAL coffee out of it. I`m sure you are sick of the Soy-kaf?"

Knight chuckled softly, despite the chill in the weather.
"Real coffee? truly mine lady has access to jewels in the world of detritus."

Portia's response was filled with merriment.
"Ah hush be with ye, Knight. I`ll see ye soon."

Knight smiled again and closed down the link. He took a moment to re-adjust his coat and the positioning of his weaponry, recalling the area as being slightly better than much of what he'd been walking in recently and set off north along the streets of Redmond.

21:53 Saturday January 6th, 2063 - Touristville, Seattle Beanery Coffee Shop, Seattle.
Knight had spent the better part of half an hour chatting away to two of the waitresses of the coffee shop and sipping on the real coffee he'd managed to persuade from the staff, using Portia's name. That had cost him 15 :nuyen: straight away. Another cup and another 15 cred slotted from his stick and Portia herself enters the building. She had a smile upon her face that proclaimed `I know something you dont know` and the walk of a casual predator.

Knight rose to meet his lady-friend. "Portia, precious"

Her cheeks dimpled with a deeper smile as she leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Knight..all is well?"

"As well as can be" he replies "So, where to?"

Portia frowns as she takes in her friend's apparel. "No where dressed like that, my Knight. Luckily i have just the thing tucked away at a crash I have near by" With that she turns, grabbing his arm in her arm and escorts him to the door and her awaiting car.

[WinterRat1]

08:18:35 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

Chuckling softly, Sivalius replies in a low voice, "My lady, I am the soul of discretion. Certainly, whatever would be required of me to secure the pleasure of your company would be a trivial task indeed. Consider our date tonight as good as settled. Just tell me when and where you would like me to pick you up."

Sipping his coffee, he smiles without looking at her and adds, "If I may be so bold to inquire, whose company will I have the pleasure of partaking in this evening?"

[Sedna]

08:19:02 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

Anne fidgets a little with her coffee cup. (Her food's not yet arrived.)

"Here, maybe? What time is good for you? I'll be free after 4 ...? But ... I dunno ... did you want me to be Alianna for you again?"

[paul_HArkonen]

07:20:15 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - Home

Blaze pulls the ear piece out and sits down on his bed. She actually offered to go… Maybe I should have taken her up on the offer. No, someone has to be there for the meet on time. Besides, the job is far more important than bogging her down in my personal quest.

Standing up Blaze begins to slowly check over his ward. I need to make sure my new “friend” didn’t send his friends to check up on me. Astrally peering over his ward, appearing to him as a stone wall with a large open gate in the center, he checks for any cracks indicative of a need to renew the ward, or holes, indicative of any “visitors”. Finding no real signs of either he allows himself to slide from the astral plane, back down to the mundane. Walking over to his closet Blaze grabs his coat and slides into it, placing his shades in one of the inside pockets.

Heading for the door Blaze opens the door, the stiff hinges creaking. He paused on the other side of the door to make sure it was locked, and to check his pockets and verify that he had taken his Predator out last night. Walking down the old steps, each one clean in the middle, but grimy in the corners, Blaze heads for the garage under his apartment building.

Walking past the many old and second hand cars in the garage Blaze heads for his bike. Kneeling down next to it he checks it over for any sign of extra devices attached in the night. He also slides over to the astral plane to scan for anyone who may be following him. Finding nothing truly out of the ordinary he stands up, wipes off the little bit dirt on the bottom of his coat, and slides his bike out of its space. Inserting the keys he hops on and heads out of the garage, towards Renton.

Moving slowly with the extra traffic headed into the downtown area Blaze makes his way over towards the glittering glass of the mall. Can’t let the precious wageslaves see anything that isn’t big and shiny… Damned corps. Pausing for a moment as he approaches he spends about 15 minutes circling the mall, looking for where the food court entrance appears to be, along with looking for anything that might indicate a set up.

Pulling into the pay to stay Garage near the mall Blaze slides in step with the many people heading out to get some shopping done early in the day. His coat attracts some attention, but there are others here dressed almost as loudly as him. Heading in to the food court he stops by the Starbucks “Providing great coffee since 1990, I’ll bet they didn’t start out serving nothing but fake soykaf.” Grabbing a small soykaf he wanders around the area, searching for any signs that he is being set up. The inside of the mall is just a shiny and pristine as the outside. The 4 story mall is topped with large glass windows, letting in the sun light, whenever it actually is there. The large walkways are littered with corporate shops, each with large electronic signs proclaiming the “amazing” wares inside. Finding no real signs of a set up Blaze sits down, sipping his soykaf, and scans the astral haze of people, looking for his contact.

About 8:45 Blaze notices someone wandering through the crowds. The large person is dressed as if he was a dectective from the old movies. I think I’ve found my man. Focusing on the person’s aura Blaze recognizes him as the P.I. from the night before. Leaving himself open to the astral plane Blaze sits back, watching the various emotions of the crowds hurrying about with their after Christmas shopping. That’s him, he should be more than able to recognize me while I’m perceiving. After about 5 minutes of leaving himself open that way Blaze slides from the astral plane, loosing touch with the colors and feelings of the crowd’s emotions, left with only the sound of people in a hurry.

The troll, further matching the P.I.’s astral form, spends another five minutes scanning the food court, as if he were looking for what he wanted to get. Stopping at the Starbucks, the same as Blaze, he grabs a triple grande soykaf. Must’ve been up a lot later than I was last night. The troll then walks over to Blaze’s table and sits down, the two sit in silence, sipping their soykaf, for a moment before the troll looks up and says “Name’s Klaus.”

[WinterRat1]

08:19:35 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

"Here at 4 is fine for me. I will be waiting for you." Rising to his feet, he tosses some money on the counter and adds, "I want you to be whoever you are for me. Anne, Alianna...," he pauses, and adds slyly, "Alleycat. Those are just names, and we both know that names come and go. It is who you are inside that counts. And whoever you are inside...that is the woman I would like to spend my evening with."

Taking one last sip of his coffee, he still doesn't even turn to look at her, keeping their conversation entirely unnoticed by the rest of the place. Still, he can't help but smile as he places his mug down, as if in thought, but she knows that it's really directed towards her. And just like that, he's gone, as quickly and quietly as he entered, barely more than a minute ago.

Before she can process, a buzzing in her ear notifies her of an message. It's Durin, who quickly says, "Hey, I got the stuff you mentioned, tell me where you want it and when, and I'll get it to you. Hope this squares us with no hard feelings, eh?"

As she's figuring out where to have the stuff sent, Hobbes walks by, her breakfast and Sivalius's in hand. With a puzzled look, she asks, "Well I'll be, he paid for a breakfast he didn't even stay for? Usually it's the other way around. I don't suppose you know where he went, do you girl?"

[WinterRat1]

09:01:00 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - Food Court, Renton Shopping Mall

"So then, you wanted a meeting," the big troll continues. "You've got my attention, now tell me, who are you, what's your situation, and what makes you think I can help you?"

[Sedna]

08:20:40 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

"Hold on a sec, I'll get back to you," she quickly subvocalises to Durin, flicking the small earpiece to a true hold, this time. Three times she'd encountered Sivalius now, each time in a different environment, and each time he'd demonstrated he knew another name of hers, another layer of identity. Once is accident, twice coincidence ...

Are there any accidents, in astral quests?

"I'm way the wrong person to ask, Hobbes," she says aloud, in answer to the woman's question. "Far's I can figure he took off; but that's the guy I mentioned to you yesterday." Anne sighs, rubbing her temples. "I don't want to pry, and I get that it's the middle of the rush just now; but you guys obviously know each other, an' now he's got info on me I thought only you guys had. Is there anything at all you're able to tell me about him?"

[WinterRat1]

08:21:09 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

Hobbes shakes her head. "Sorry girl, there ain't much I can tell you. I done some biz once or twice that involved contracting stuff out to him, but of course I can't talk details. Still, I can tell you that smart money is that he's Awakened of some kind, and he's one cool customer to boot. The type that's good, knows he's good, and therefore stays humble, because he's got nothing to prove to anyone, you know?"

Absentmindedly she refills Anne's coffee. "Rumors connect him to the Tir, but not which one for sure, and I don't know how much stock I'd put in those myself. That's about all I can say. He conducts his biz well and he's professional, keeps a low profile too, since I haven't heard much about him either way. So now tell me, why you got so much interest in this guy?"

[Sedna]

08:21:40 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

"It's more like he's suddenly got an interest in me," says Anne. "First time we ran into each other were last night, told you about that already. Second time were today here, an' he's now got info about me I'd thunk only you guys knew. Is this kind of thing typical? Why would this guy's be casing me out? I feel like I should be doing something about it, you know?"

[WinterRat1]

08:22:00 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

"I wouldn't say it's typical, but never underestimate just what kind of information someone really determined can gather about you. I'll tell you I didn't spill anything to him, and neither did Calvin, at least not that I know of."

Hobbes shrugs slightly. "As for why he's casing you and what you should do, well, he could be casing you for any number of reasons, but if he's asking you for a date, it's a good guess that he doesn't mean you any immediate harm, right? If he wanted to wack you, if he knows as much as he does, he could probably set something up without much more trouble. As for what you should do..."

A sudden influx of customers cut off Hobbes's thought, and she quickly added, "Well, it's not for me to tell you that now, is it? I gotta go, early morning rush is starting up I guess. Best of luck to you though, and stay safe." And with that, she quickly departs to attend to the new customers, bustling about taking order, seating others, and generally making sure the ship runs smooth, leaving Anne alone with her thoughts.

[Sedna]

08:22:40 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

Well, what I should do is deal with Durin's question first. My own has suddenly acquired legs, but I've got until 1600 to start tracking them. But at least I've learned that people in the shadows sometimes do go to those extremes to pre-vet someone. I have got to figure out how they do it.

Flicking the hold function off:

"Hoi, Durin, sorry about that. Thanks greatly for this, and yes, this squares us. You mentioned a truck as well, right?" Note to self: check out that garage space Black Tony mentioned to you earlier. And while you're at it, remember to pick up that driver training sim. You've got a day to start mastering it, girl. "And everything should fit okay on that truck, so it's all one package. What size are we looking at?"

[WinterRat1]

08:22:58 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

"Yeah, a regular pickup truck and a semi, like you asked. As far as medical supplies, I was able to pick up 6 medkits, one per person, and MREs, about a weeks worth per person, so that makes food for a week for six people. I didn't know what weapons each of you wanted so I didn't really pick up any of those, but I got some explosives for you all, with a couple timers and detonators. But that's really all I can do, ok? I really put myself in hock for all of this so as to not trash my rep, but that's all I can really afford. Where do you want me to bring this stuff? I can bring it to you personally or just leave it somewhere of your choosing."

He pauses for an answer, and adds, "Oh yeah, and of course all the supplies fit into the back of the pickup truck, to answer your question."

[Sedna]

08:23:15 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

She's staring up at the trid, trying to think; and just for a moment her mind goes completely blank. Too much, too much, too much knowledge, and too little; no guidance, no mission parameters, no control, no limits, open-ended, life --

She cuts herself off ruthlessly just before the room starts to spin, takes the mug in both hands and takes a deep swallow of the hot, bitter liquid. It burns her tongue. She drains the mug and settles it back down on the counter, rather proud of the fact that her hands aren't shaking. Chop it up into short bursts then: short-term objective/achieved; short-term objective/achieved. Objective the immediate: trucks, find a place for them.

"Durin, where are they now? When do they need to be moved by?"

Next step: go down to Black Tony's place and work out something about that place with him ... or maybe he knows of something outside Seattle city limits? Maybe I'll be able to sidestep at least one border.

Parameters: if the trucks must be moved soon, the operation must be completed before 11:30. If it can wait until afternoon, it must be completed and done by 15:00.

A date? Like a date date? I don't have anything to wear ...

[WinterRat1]

08:23:35 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

"I got them stashed in a truck lot up in Snohomish. Pretty deserted place, not likely anyone would really even think of looking around there. It's a place for trucks and their cargo to get stored for a couple weeks, usually when they're awaiting a variety of shipments for a long cross country haul and the rest of their cargo hasn't come in yet.

You can pick them up, well, more or less whenever, since it's designed to be a long term storage facility. I paid for a week's worth of storage, figured that'd give you plenty of time to prepare in-city, and I didn't think you'd want to here much longer than that before moving out.

If you want to grab them yourself, the ticket number is 13-412.That's lot 13, storage area 412. Otherwise tell me where you want them sent. You can leave them there for a week, but after that, if you haven't gotten in touch with me or gotten them yourself, well, who knows what they'll do to it? Any other questions for me?"

[Sedna]

08:24:00 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

"Coolness," she replies, the smile in her voice. "We'll just leave them there, then. I'll check them out later today -- meet you there 11:00? to pick up the ticket? -- and the rest of us'll get them moved out inside a week." A week? That's far better than I'd hoped for. "You did good, Durin. I won't forget it."

[WinterRat1]

08:24:20 Saturday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

Relief is evident in the dwarf's voice at the knowledge that his rep won't be totally shot. "All right, 11:00 it is then. I'll meet you at the front gate. See you then."

He quickly rattles off the address and disconnects.

[Sedna]

08:35:43 Sunday, 07 January, 2063 - The Last Drop, Auburn

Leaving her momentarily disconnected.

Focus, girl.

Objective 2: breakfast.

Despite her best efforts to take her time, to use the time to ground herself and allow her mind to restructure priorities, she finds herself bolting it so fast she can barely taste it. Long Anne habit, maybe ... although there's other things here too. But unlike Anne, she'd have no friendly, structured job to return to after her short break. It's not time that hangs heavy on her: she's got more than enough work to fill that. Find the structure. Make the structure, until you've learned how to be free.

[paul_HArkonen]

08:50:31 Renton Mall Food Court

“Name’s Blaze. I’m a Shaman as you can already tell. Be professional but charismatic, in need but not desperate. Damn I need to work on my people skills, I rely on Max way too much for this kinda thing My situation is I need” the tone of his voice showing that it is a need, not a want, “to find my cousin. I can give you a fair amount of info on her if you’re willing to help me. And there’s two reasons I think you can help me, one is I found you floating over the barrens in the middle of the night, which is where she was less than 24 hours ago, and likely is still there. The second is your outfit; it kinda screams ‘ask me to find someone’. So, is that what you actually do, or am I stuck looking on my own?” While speaking Blaze kept his voice fairly low and continued sipping his coffee. Anyone who stayed close by where he and Klaus were talking would be able to hear him, but not from a distance.

[WinterRat1]

08:51:04 Saturday, 07 January 2063, Renton Mall Food Court

Klaus chuckles. Coming from the big troll, it's more of a deep, gravelly sounding throat clearing, but Blaze refrains from mentioning that, letting the troll speak. "I do a lot of things, including finding people. All right, Blaze, you've told me who you are and what you want, but I'm not sold on helping you. How do I know this person really is your cousin, and that you aren't going to do him or her harm after I find them? I'm not an angel, but I also don't like getting used, and if you've got some ill intentions in mind for this person, I'm not going to be a part of it."

He holds up a hand, cutting off the shaman before he can interrupt. "Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I won't help. But it takes more than money to get me to do a job. I gotta be convinced that me doing the job will do more good than bad, you scan? So sell it to me, convince that if I help you, everyone involved will be a lot happier for my time and effort. If you can do that, maybe we can start talking specifics."

[paul_HArkonen]

08:51:04 Saturday, 07 January 2063, Renton Mall Food Court

Blaze chuckles softly, “actually, I’m more or less the same way.” He pauses for a moment, and then continues seriously, “I can’t offer you proof, other than my word, but I will fill you in on the background. I was selected by the Leopard, ‘totem of quests’ after my nuclear family was killed in an explosion. It was planted by corps and I have since pledge myself to preventing that from happening again, to anyone. I know it’s impossible, but every step I take is a step towards that goal.”

Blaze continues on his voice still even, despite speaking about painful memories. “A few days ago a friend I have searching for the rest of my family said he found someone. I was introduced to a woman claiming to be my aunt, she knew certain things about me that few outside family would know, so I trust she was honest. We spoke for a while, but then she told me my cousin had gone missing recently and she feared the worst. I promised her I’d find my cousin, Melissa in case her name matters at this stage.”

His voice is still even, but it is strained, as if his emotions are fighting with his well worked control. “I did some quick digging and found out my cousin had disappeared in the midst of a controversy of sorts. It’s possible that her own corp arrange for her to disappear. The street says that her corp is searching for her, so I suspect she realized this and ran for it. Additionally I found out that she was likely in the Barrens last night, which is why I was there.”

Taking a moment to recompose himself he continues on. “You say you want to do a little good, well saving an innocent from the hands of the corps is at least a little good. So now you know as much as I’ll tell a stranger about myself and what’s up, are you willing to help?”

It’s been so long since I’ve had to really think about that and even longer since I’ve told someone. I guess worrying about Melissa has made me take risks I wouldn’t normally take.