(Untitled)

[a_day_of_sky]

Ella is, if anything, unhappy.

Currently in a booth, her knees are tucked up against her chest, arms wound around her legs. Her hands are in her hair, pulling it over her ears. Her eyes are fixed on the table.

In front of her is a piece of white paper, on which is drawn the vague outline of a head and shoulders. Everything is filled in save the face

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[not_a_hologram]

Bingo is in a good mood, but then he almost always is; so when he sees somebody who isn't, he feels the need to help.

All he's got is a comic book and half a mug of hot chocolate, but he figures it's worth a try.

"Can I get you anything?"

[a_day_of_sky]

Ella started slightly, turning her head towards the source of the voice.

"I'd appreciate it."

[not_a_hologram]

He's a very clean-cut young man in the uniform of an ensign in the US Navy. More specifically, the late '50s, but that's not the easiest to spot in a uniform.

"The hot chocolate's good... and the pie, too. I had some this morning. Anything you want, though."

[a_day_of_sky]

"I think.. hot chocolate, if you don't mind? And thank you."

She gestures around at the booth - he's welcome to sit if he wants.

[not_a_hologram]

"I'll be right back," he says, and heads off to the bar, returning shortly with a refill for himself and a mug for her as well; and he does take a seat.

"It's good, when the weather's like this, to stay inside, have a nice warm drink and just relax."

[a_day_of_sky]

"It is cold outside," she agrees, "But it's still beautiful outside. I can't wait till the season changes, though."

Taking her mug, she offers the unoccupied hand.

"Ella Harkins."

[not_a_hologram]

"Al Calavicci, but my friends call me Bingo." He shakes her hand. "It's nice to meet you. And yeah--mostly it's the cold that's the problem. It's beautiful to look at, from inside. Or outside if you've got a coat, but I came here from spring in California, so I don't have one."

[a_day_of_sky]

"It's nice to meet you, Al.

"I went outside barefoot a couple of weeks ago," she says mildly. "But it did hurt after a bit.

"What's California like?"

[not_a_hologram]

"It's beautiful there. We live by the beach--it's a naval base, it kinda has to be--and the weather is almost always perfect for the beach, sunny and warm. I spend a lot of my free time out there, it's so relaxing."

He sips his drink. "Where are you from?"

[a_day_of_sky]

"It sounds beautiful," she says happily.

"Um, Manhattan."

It sort of sounds like a question.

[not_a_hologram]

"Manhattan's pretty nice too. I've been through New York a few times, never lived there, but gone to see it, you know? I like not living in a city because it's easier to get some space if you want it, to be alone or just have quiet, but when you want company or something to see or do, cities are great. I was never bored there."

[a_day_of_sky]

She smiles, a little ruefully, but doesn't respond, choosing instead to sip her hot chocolate.

[not_a_hologram]

"So what's wrong? If you don't want to talk about it, that's fine, I don't want to be nosy, but if I can help... I'm happy to help."

[a_day_of_sky]

"Um, well. I'm just.. extraordinarily frustrated that I - I don't remember what this person I used to know - Charles - looked like. It's only been a short time for me, being here, and I feel like I ought to remember."

[not_a_hologram]

"Memory can be... funny, sometimes. It comes and goes. Have you tried hypnosis? They say it's supposed to help people remember things; it might help you."

[a_day_of_sky]

"... Hypnosis?"