devouringstate:

                               _{“I w…—as busy.”}

_{( he was too, she presumes;}

     _{the few times she’d glanced in through one of the windows,}

             _{he’d been up to his arms (ears? what have you) in customers,}

                    _{and she’d thought better of taking up his space and time. )}

                               _{“I m—issed you, as well.”}

                 _{( a pause; gaze averted, somewhat timidly. )}

                               _{“Can I. Can I tell you a thing. It’s—my head is…spinning a little, still, and I think I need to say it to someone who isn’t me.”}

_{( there’s a small smile and a nod.}

      _{that, he can understand- ‘busy’ sums up his life}

            _{this time every year pretty nicely. )}

                      _{( his brow creases, concern tugging at him ;}

                        _{willing himself to the most coherent state he can manage. )}

                                                       _{“ 'Course y'can.}

                                                          _{Wha’ is it ? ”}

#continuous excited noises dlhkj  #; muse : eloi .  #devouringstate