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

[lovelylilmouse]

That's...a good idea. I can try that the next time I'm able to.

[She giggles to herself, but her smile's quick to fade as he mentions the children who are stuck in this place with her-- and she nods.]

Don't worry. I'll keep a close eye on them. [It doesn't take long for her to eventually get the idea that the kids in Donald's round are...probably no longer with them.]

Hey, I know you said that you come from a place where we haven't met before, but thanks for still talking with me. It's a relief to see a familiar face after so long...

[theduck]

Yeah, same! I mean, thanks for talking to me, too, and all.

[He knows he should be thankful that none of his family or friends are involved in this, but it's still difficult to watch everyone talk with their loved ones again.]

And, uh... good luck.

[It feels somehow wrong to wish somebody luck in a death match, but he isn't sure what else to say in a situation such as this.]