“Excuse me? Is my order ready yet?”

  “I’ve been waiting 15 minutes, how hard is it to scoop an ice cream?”

  “Look, I really got to go, can I just get a refund?”

  “I’m sorry…” Ever mumbled. He gripped the scoop, concentrating really hard, trying to do it the exact same way that Taylor did. He put the scoop of hazelnut into the cup then went back in for the scoop of strawberry sorbet.

  “Um, you just used the hazelnut scoop for the strawberry sorbet, I’ve got a nut allergy I can’t eat that…”

  “I’m sorry…”

  The scoop clattered onto the bench, before rolling to the floor. Ever could feel the temperature rising in the room and the daggers Taylor glared in his direction.

  Ever, just slow down and breathe…

  *I am breathing, Mentor.*

  No, I know. But you’re a bit worked up…

  “I’m… SORRY!”

  The apology screeched out of Ever’s mouth, an eldritch howl. There was utter silence in the room full of customers, mouth hanging open, eyes wide.

  “Thank you for your patience, everyone. Alvin here,” Taylor said, putting an arm around Ever’s shoulder, giving it a quick squeeze, “just started this morning. He’s a bit overwhelmed. We’ll get to everyone. Now, who was next?”

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  ~~~~~

  Ever put the final chair upside down on top of the table. Looking out the door, he shielded his eyes as the sun, low in the sky shone through.

  “That was a mean death growl you did before.” Taylor said.

  Ever looked back at his new colleague. “Death… growl?”

  “You know, when you said ‘sorry’ and it sounded like you pulled that from the depths of Hell.”

  If only you knew, lass. Death murmured in Ever’s mind.

  Ever walked up to her. He stood a few inches taller than her. She made to step away, but stood her ground.

  “I’m new to life. All the people, the sounds, the feelings… it’s all so much.”

  Taylor furrowed her brow. “What on earth are you talking about?”

  Best not to tell her why you’re really here, Death said.

  “Yes,” Ever said tiredly, out loud.

  Taylor shot him a quizzical look, shaking her head slightly. “What’s your name?”

  “Ever.”

  “Ever? Like Forever, ever?”

  “I think so, do names change?”

  “No you don’t get…” The raven-haired girl laughed awkwardly. “OK well, Ever, if that is your real name…” She stepped behind the cash register, pulling out some notes and counting them. “You barely passed probation, but I’m passing you anyway. Just because you’ve got a cool death growl." She grabbed his wrist and placed the notes inside his hand. “Here’s today’s payment.”

  She stepped outside, keys jangling as she pulled them out. “Do you want to come out so I can lock up?”

  Ever obeyed, stepping out onto the footpath. He watched her turn the key, give the handle a good tug, then start walking away.

  “Thank you for being patient with me.”

  Taylor spun back. The sun was directly behind her and Ever couldn’t see her face.

  “Same time tomorrow, don’t be late!”