[D3, EM] Work is the Best Antidote to Sorrow

[Jack Doyle]

It had been a couple of days since the fire. It had been a surprising thing, a dangerous and tragic end to something Jack had thoroughly enjoyed. It had unnerved the wizened enough, that he had avoided the bookstore until now. Today, however, he wanted to see the extent of the damage, if it was still there, and if he could help repair it.

[Dapper Dog]

The bookstore was under renovation and closed, but the bistro and coffee shop was open for business and busy with college students.

[Jack Doyle]

Jack's eyes lingered on the façade of the store, assessing whatever damage he could see. Then, he stepped into the coffee shop.

[Dapper Dog]

Jack's eyes lingered on the façade of the store, assessing whatever damage he could see. Then, he stepped into the coffee shop.

The external damage was mostly smoke damage it seemed to his trained eye. He noticed other issues, it was probably in need of repainting and he could see that the foundation probably needed some shoring up due the soft soil it was sinking, but hard to perceive for less trained or skilled eyes.

The barista greeted Jack a little mechanically, as there was a line, the smell of coffee and breakfast assaults his nose.

[Jack Doyle]

The woodcarver considered the repairs as he waited in line. What he could see wasn't too bad, overall. He could probably help, if he could find someone to speak to.

"A small coffee, black, please." he requested when his turn came. Jack picked through a handful of coins to hand over.

He normally liked cream and sugar. But, after the dreams, he didn't want to dilute it.

[Dapper Dog]

“Coffee, black, got it,” she responded. She picked up a cup and a marker and added, “Name?”

[Jack Doyle]

"Jack." he answered.

Stepping away, he looked around for a place to sit, assessing the other customers as he did.

[Dapper Dog]

She nodded and wrote the name down as she talks to the other customers. His coffee is quickly prepared as ordered with his name written on the side of cup in smooth easily read printed letters.

The people looked tired, many of the students looked like they had a late night and were still half asleep.

[Jack Doyle]

As he took the cup he asked, in a clear voice that others could hear, "Do you have any fresh apples?"

He watched for reactions.

[Dapper Dog]

As he took the cup he asked, in a clear voice that others could hear, "Do you have any fresh apples?"

He watched for reactions.

A student, a chubby brown skinned youth with long hair and shabby clothes, looked up form his phone and said, "What... apples?"