*I should apologize to her.*

  Death apologizes to know one.

  *I’m not you.*

  As long as you wield the scythe, you represent me.

  *She’s hurt.*

  She had a bad day and has been under pressure at university.

  *University?*

  People go and study there. Also, you didn’t hurt her. You had no intent. Do not apologize.

  *I…*

  Taylor rounded the corner, saw Ever then looked at a passing car as she got closer to the ice creamery.

  *Yes, Mentor.*

  Taylor pulled out her keys, stabbing one into the lock.

  “Good morning.”

  She glared at Ever, pushed open the door and swept in.

  “How was your -”

  “I’m sorry.” Taylor had turned around, leaning back against the bench. Without the lights on, the dark circles around her eyes looked more pronounced than before. “I was a bitch last night. No one should be punished for trying to learn.”

  Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

  Ever stood there. He suddenly became aware of his hands and didn’t know what to do with them.

  Tell her, ‘Apology accepted.’

  “Apology accepted,” Ever parroted.

  Taylor raised an eyebrow, pressing her lips together into a tight smile and nodded.

  “Has university been busy?” Ever asked.

  Taylor paused. “Who told you I went to university?”

  Tell her that you’ve seen her books.

  “I’ve seen your books.” Ever echoed.

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Didn’t think you would notice.” Ever released the breath that he’d been holding. “The lecturer has been giving me grief for an unfinished assignment. He’s already given me one extension. He’s going to fail me if I don’t submit it by the end of the month.”

  Ever listened intently, bringing up the ice cream tubs from the freezer under the display. He had gotten pretty good at it by now, not having to look at the labels anymore to know where they went.

  “I’ve asked Unc to hire someone else, but he only trusts me to run this place.” Taylor paused for a moment. “It is nice to be trusted, but it’s a lot of responsibility, especially when you have sweaty creeps trying to con you into compensation they’re not entitled to.” She glared at Ever, then playfully punched his arm. “Come on, don’t give me that look!”

  “Wh-what look?” Ever asked. While he was getting the hang of reading faces, he still was struggling with his face-emotion coordination. What expression was he showing Taylor right now?

  “Anyway, it’s not your problem, I just need to pull a few all nighters and get it done.”

  Ever and Taylor continued setting up shop. Half an hour later, all the lights were on, the radio was playing pop hits from two decades ago. The two of them stood there, shifting the weight between their feet and looking at their nails.

  “Why don’t you study for a while now, before any customers come in?”

  “Who are you, my uncle?” Taylor quipped, raising an eyebrow. A few more minutes passed then, “fine.” She pulled a textbook out with a black hardcover. Ever shifted over. Programming in C+, Mark Alistair.

  “Hate programming, but it’s a prerequisite.”

  A customer came in. Taylor made to close the book; Ever’s hand shot out, keeping it open.

  “Good morning,” Ever greeted, with a practiced smile. “What flavor would you like to try?”