It had been weeks since North last saw her. She knew his name, yet he didn't know hers. Unfair…
Damn. I've been back and forth to that ice cream shop. She's never there… where else could she be? She said she's homeless…
Still, something tugged at him. Go back to the shop.
"Good morning, Miss Manager," she greeted as she stepped inside, adjusting her pink dress and unicorn headband. She hated it, but customers needed to see her smile, not the mascot.
"Early today," the manager said, smiling.
"I have a lot to do," she said lightly. Part-time jobs, tuition, apartments… just surviving.
The manager leaned closer. "Do you see him outside?"
Her eyes followed. North. Standing still, waiting, watching. She stiffened. So he's been coming back… all this time…
"He's been here before," she said quietly. "Just… someone I know."
The manager gave her a knowing look. "He seems to be looking for you. Go to him."
She swallowed, nodded, and stepped outside. North's gaze snapped to hers. He froze, as if caught mid-thought. She didn't smile too widely, just enough to acknowledge him.
He's been standing here the whole time… she thought. And he noticed nothing until now… She kept her distance, careful not to let him see too much.
North watched her, torn between awe and anxiety. She's working… smiling… enduring all that… why?
She approached slowly.
"You've been here a while," North said.
"Not long enough to notice," she replied lightly, almost a whisper.
"What are you doing here?" he asked.
"Waiting for nothing," she said, eyes flicking toward the shop entrance. "And you?"
"I… I was going to buy bread," he stammered. "Then I saw you."
"Of course. Bread is important." She smiled faintly, but her eyes remained guarded.
North glanced at her feet. "Do they hurt?"
"No," she said softly. "Why would they?" Her words sounded casual, but the edge of detachment lingered.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. But why linger outside?"
"I… thought I should check on things inside." She kept her distance, though she guided him inside, to a chair by the counter. She returned with a small dish of ice cream.
"New flavor. Try it if you like," she said, placing it before him.
"Uh… thanks," he muttered.
"I notice you come here often," she said, voice calm.
"I… I don't order… I just…" He trailed off.
"Then you're a regular of watching," she said softly, almost teasing. Her eyes flicked to the doorway. "It seems easier than ordering, doesn't it?"
North hesitated. Her manager notices me too… I need to be careful.
"What brings you here?" she asked, enigmatic, almost testing him.
"I… I was wondering… maybe I could offer you…" His words faltered.
She tilted her head, a small, distant smile forming. "You shouldn't. Some things are better left alone."
"But… you're homeless."
"Are we measuring need by shelter? There are others… who need it more. You should help them instead."
"But… shouldn't you think of yourself first?"
"Some things are not mine to take," she said softly. "Others come first." Her words were calm, measured, but North could feel a subtle warning: Do not interfere.
He frowned, confused. Why is she like this?
She straightened, stepping toward the counter. "I should get back to work. It was… pleasant talking to you. Enjoy the treat, North."
She walked away before he could say more, leaving him frozen.
I can't just leave it like this… he thought. She's right. Maybe I'll help those in need first… then… maybe I can ask for help from the Count.