Ever walked up Lygon Street, refreshed and ready for another week of work. To Death’s confusion, he had decided to sleep in human form not just the first night after reaping Agatha, but the next night too. While the weariness seemed to hang around in his muscles and bones, for some reason he welcomed it.

  He arrived at the door, put the key in the lock and was surprised to find that he was able to push it open.

  “Good morning!” Taylor said, bouncing into view. Chaos popped his head up then disappeared as he plonked the tubs of ice cream onto the bench. “Morning partner,” he said in an affected accent.

  “How did you get in?” Ever asked.

  “Spare key,” Taylor said, spinning an identical key on her index finger. “Duh. Anyway, I wanted to come in so I could surprise you with…”

  She pulled a box out from the fridge, next to where the ice cream was being stored. “Happy one month working here!” She opened the small, white box, revealing miniature cakes in paper tins. There were four of them, each one with a white icing letter on it. Top-left had an ‘E’, top-right had a ‘V’, bottom-left also had an ‘E’ and bottom-right had an ‘R’.

  “I was in the mood for baking and had some flour and icing from another project. Next minute, I’ve made like 20 of these, but anyway,” she said. “A little something to show my appreciation for you for the past month.”

  Ever stared at them, momentarily lost for words.

  “May I have one?” Chaos said, reaching over. Taylor smacked his wrist and he snapped his hand back reproachfully. She looked back at Ever, realization dawning on her. “Oh no, don’t tell me, are you a celiac?”

  Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

  “I don’t know what that means,” Ever said, voice quivering slightly.

  “It means you can’t eat gluten.”

  “What’s gluten?” He wiped away something in his eye. A tear fell down onto the bench, next to the box.

  “Ever?” She peered at his face. “Are you crying?”

  “Am I?” He looked up at her with tear-stained cheeks.

  “Why are you crying?”

  “I… don’t know.” Ever replied, his voice wobbling. He sobbed, wiping his eyes with the back of his arm.

  “Are you sad? Happy?”

  “I don’t know,” he repeated.

  *Mentor, what’s happening to me?*

  You’re taken aback with emotion from an unexpected gift. It’s a very human thing to do.

  A bearded face appeared over Taylor’s shoulder.

  ∞Tears normally come from a loss of control, it’s very hard to predict human behavior when they cry. Little children do it a lot, I like it when they do that.∞

  “I don’t know what to do,” Ever murmured.

  “I might.” Taylor said. Before he knew it, she had enveloped him in a tight hug. Miraculously, he felt the overwhelming feelings subside. They weren’t dulled or muted; more so it was like a tempest had passed over the sea and some waves were left: waves of gratitude and relief.

  ∞Ugh, such a waste of potential pandemonium.∞

  Taylor pulled away. “Feel better?”

  Ever nodded. “Thank you for the cupcakes - and for the hug.” His tummy growled out loud. “I think I’m ready to eat them now.”