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]

That's a great idea! Even if we can't get everyone to agree, there are probably only a few we have to worry about. We'd all be safer that way.

[bayoublues]

[actually it was mostly kim's idea from last week and the only reason he's suggesting it is because he's absolutely terrified of dying lmao]

Yeah! Maybe we could do like, a sign up or whatever. Have people room with other people they're comfortable with. Like, I know some of the kids might be more comfortable if they're with other kids rather than an adult. I mean, it might be safer if they're with an adult...whatever they feel like, y'know?

[It would also help them deal with...everything. Being alone with one's thoughts after this trial was probably not the best idea.]

[truecalling]

We can have a meeting tomorrow or something. I think it'd be best to just give everyone time to rest tonight. Once we've all had some time, we can let everyone sign up. If we have any concerns about who stays with who, we can talk about it together.

Maybe over breakfast.

[bayoublues]

Yeah, that sounds like a good idea!

...And maybe we could ask Remy to help out. Since, um, he's one of the few here who actually knows how to cook. I'll write a list or somethin' out tonight, since, um...I don't think I'll be gettin' much sleep.

[Also he needs to work on his spelling.]

[truecalling]

Thanks, that would be a great help. But don't overdo it too much. We'll need you tomorrow.

And I'll see what I can do to get Remy to help us cook up a good breakfast to go with it.

[bayoublues]

Gotcha. Try and sleep at least a few hours.

[hahaha he has a feeling that's gonna be easier said than done.]

Ooh, if you do that, make sure to mention sweets. People tend to feel better when eatin' sweets. Like...pancakes or something.

[truecalling]

[She knows. But if she had to promise Maui then she won't feel bad asking others to try.]

Pancakes. You got it.

In that case, we'll save the talking for after breakfast.