][ 27 (all audio) ][strikes are thoughts

[shiningdown]

Fortunate, I suppose, to not have to drink or eat anything---particularly drink today. In the past this type of curse seems to happen on days meant for a celebration of sorts.

I have no idea what today's reason for festivity was supposed to be.

Of course, maybe there wasn't one this time at all.

[ a muted sigh and a pause both go here ]Anyway,

Comments

[had_not_lived]

Do you never eat and drink?

I work in a bookstore here. At home I was still in school...

[shiningdown]

I have before but I don't regularly, no.

[ pause ]

Do you like it?

[had_not_lived]

Why not? I mean, did you enjoy it when you did, even if you don't need to?

I like the bookstore, yeah. It's just me and Billy now, mostly, which... well, we don't know that much about running a business but we get by pretty much.

[shiningdown]

It was nice, completely new. But it isn't a necessity and up until now the choice has allowed me to not seek employment.

Getting by is admirable though---and surrounded by something you enjoy.

[had_not_lived]

Doing something you like's important! There are probably things we could do that would pay better, but I think I'd rather be happy than rich, as long as I've got enough to live off, you know?

[shiningdown]

I think that's wise. Men have wasted their lives in pursuit of material wealth and it's true that even those who managed to achieve it have often came out of it discontent anyway.

[had_not_lived]

Yeah, I think you're right. Thoreau said, "the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation;" I wouldn't want to live that way, always chasing after money and doing things I hated to get it.

Are you... looking for a job? Or just curious?

[shiningdown]

You're, as they say, wise beyond your years then. Truly.

[ and here she is thinking of someone in particular who would seem to do everything for a ring for his Victoria, but then that seemed to have changed before he left... ]

Oh. I'm...well, I suppose I am looking. I haven't needed to stay inside, save for the rain, but with the weather the way it is...fall then winter...

[ well... ]

[had_not_lived]

I'm not sure about that, but... Well, I try.

...If you'd like to try working in the bookstore we could probably find you a few hours? I'm sure Billy wouldn't mind.

[shiningdown]

I would like that. If it's not too much trouble, that is.

And if there aren't any hours to be had I understand. There isn't a rush just yet.

[had_not_lived]

I don't think it'd be any trouble at all. Though, usually we're not open too late after it gets dark, so I can't promise all that much...

1/2

[shiningdown]

[shiningdown]

I hadn't thought of that.

[ pause ]

Would it be all right if I was to get back to you about that possibility?

[had_not_lived]

Of course. I mean... the days are getting shorter, now, so at least for the winter there's a couple hours at least? In the summer it might be tougher.