This is fine. It's fine. We're fine.

[sharpasanarrow]

[Well that was.

Something.

Underneath everyone’s door they’ll find a slip of paper, in shaky calligraphy, that reads:

INVITATION

Meet in the Dining Room.

Do not bring alcohol of any sort.

Upon arrival into the Dining Room it’s clear that this is very much...not a party.

The center of the room is cleared of all tables, and instead has all the chairs arranged in a circle, facing inwards. On the tables pushed to the side are jugs of water, cups, plates of saltines, and several hastily-made pamplets that read on the front ”How to cope with Child homicide” that contains an advisory list:

1. Try not to think about it.
2. Do not get hysterical.
3. Crying is permitted, but keep it within a reasonable volume. (For the consideration of fellow mourners)
4. Maintain civility
5. Do not plunder the belongings of the deceased.
6. No drinking or gambling your sorrows away. Set an example.

Standing in front of one of the chairs already is Mr.Arrow. He clears his throat as people start to slowly come in.]

I gathered you all here because I believed it would be conductive to group morale if we all worked through our feelings regarding recent events. Talk about your feelings with one another, but not with me.

[He steps back a little, out of the circle of chairs, in what seems to be an invitation for people to sit down and discuss with one another.]

Comments

[truecalling]

Yeah, I know. Me neither.

[It's difficult because this wasn't the act of someone trying to kill someone to protect themselves. It was an accident. Add that they were kids on top of that...]

This place doesn't care how it happens-- it just wants us to die. If they apply enough pressure they figure someone will do something. Even... even if it's a mistake.

[bestchefinparis]

I hope it's not going to happen to me. I don't want to think they'd have a way to force me to do something.

[truecalling]

Actually-- we were thinking about having a meeting tomorrow. About maybe working out some safety issues. We want to avoid losing anyone else.

We were hoping maybe you'd help us make some good breakfast to go with it.

[bestchefinparis]

[He looks up, a bit surprised]

Sure, I could do that! It's...I told Marco I'd be doing the best I can to support you all. That should be a start.

[He loves cooking, but at the same time he wishes he could do more than that]

[truecalling]

Thanks, that would be a great help. After this we're going to need a good meal to start the new week.

No one should think on an empty stomach.

[bestchefinparis]

Yes, you're right!

Besides, new places are going to open. That's not the best thing to look forward to, but it's something.