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

[holdthetrumpet]

[Kit hasn't asked to see anyone -- Randall didn't call him out specifically, and he is desperate to believe that means Cinderella and his father and everyone are okay. He has to believe that's what it means. He doesn't want to check to confirm and make today much worse.

This, though? This is important for him to pay attention to, so he pulls himself together enough for it.]

Thank you. It means more to hear that than you can imagine.

[keyofimagination]

[You have no idea how refreshing it is to him to hear that kind of praise after months of looking after these hell children.]

You're welcome. I'm sorry that I can't tell you the details of our plan but rest assure, if this works we can get everyone out and back home.

[holdthetrumpet]

[Kit is a good boy and would never be rude to a nice black and white man who is just trying to help.]

Just knowing someone is trying is a relief.

[He was starting to wonder, honestly.]