As Ever spent more time in his human shell, he came to realize what his body needed. One of the first things that became apparent was the need for food. After he had worked his first day, then performed his first reaping of Margaret, he made the mistake of slipping back into human form. The fatigue and hunger had hit him like a truck and he almost passed out on the street. Luckily he had turned back into reaper form before that happened, retiring to the treehouse in the cemetery to rest.

  The following morning, he’d walked dazed and disheveled down the street. Still getting attuned to his senses, he followed his nose, which had picked up on the scent of freshly baked goods. It was the buttery croissants of Luna’s that had bewitched him. Hurriedly shoving the cash he had earned from his first day of work to the cashier, he ate one and was hooked.

  He found he wasn’t as hungry at lunch or dinner. He’d tried eating at the restaurants on the same street as the ice cream shop, but found the meals too heavy. The one constant was the croissants; he’d had them every morning so far.

  —--

  “Ever!”

  “Hi Glenn.”

  Besides Taylor, he was one of the other humans he spoke to on a regular basis. Granted, they mainly exchanged pleasantries, but still. It was yet another part of his routine that set him up for the day.

  “Back for more?” The sandy-haired man gestured to the display. “Mom’s made some fresh ham and cheese croissants.”

  “Sure, I’ll take one of those.”

  “To go?”

  Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

  “No, I’ll eat here today.”

  “Sure thing.”

  Ever sat at a table outside under a parasol. A light breeze came through and he closed his eyes.

  “Here you go.” Glenn put the plate down in front of him. “Don’t think I’ve seen you come here at lunchtime.”

  “You’re right, it’s my first time. I’ve got a day off today.”

  “Ah lucky you. Bad thing about having your Mom as your boss is that you never get a day off.” His happy-go-lucky grin faded slightly. “Something on your mind?”

  “Sort of.”

  “Hold on, let me just sort out that table.” Glenn bustled away, cleaning up some plates from further away, bringing them back into the kitchen before coming back out with a glass of water. “OK, what’s up?”

  “Do you ever want to tell someone the truth but also don’t want to tell them as well?”

  Glenn crossed his arms and wrinkled his nose in thought. “Of course. Most times involved a girl.”

  “Yeah that’s for me too.”

  Glenn looked at him, nodding knowingly.

  “It’s hard with girls. They change so quickly.”

  “You’re so right.”

  “Is the truth you want to tell her a good thing or a bad thing?” Glenn sipped his water while Ever pondered.

  “Neither, but it’s probably not what she expects.”

  “Do you think it’ll change how she feels about you?”

  “I don’t know how she feels about me.”

  “Hmmmm…” Glenn rotated the glass in his hand, looking through it. “Without knowing too much about her, I’d say you should still tell her, but to pick the right moment. You’ll know when it comes. Sorry, I think that’s Mom calling me. See you tomorrow!” He clapped him on the shoulder and left.

  Ever picked up the ham and cheese croissant, took a bite out of it and chewed slowly. When would the right moment come again?