Hey, are you OK?

  “Hey, are you OK?”

  The rare moment of synchronization between Death and Taylor jolted Ever out of his reverie. Whether it was Chaos’ doing or his own, the primordial being’s words had been reverberating in his mind throughout the day: you are not a human, don’t pretend that you are.

  Ever was pulled back to reality. Him and Taylor were manning their stand in the Mid-Summer Nights festival. A queue of people eight deep were patiently waiting their turn to get some ice cream. There was polite applause as the singer with the guitar bowed and walked off stage.

  “I’m alright, it’s just been a long day is all.” Ever managed a weak smile.

  Taylor nodded. They served the customers that had been waiting then took a deep swill of water. Taylor wiped her forehead with her arm.

  “Hey I know I seemed shitty about this festival, but I do appreciate that you and Chaos are happy to help. You could have said no.”

  “Actually, I don’t remember being given much of a choice. You just gave us the forms and told us to fill them in.”

  As hot as it was even as the sun was setting, Ever could still see that Taylor’s cheeks became a little more flushed than usual.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  “Shut up,” she said, punching him on the arm. She didn’t hold back, jabbing him with her index and middle fingers clenched in.

  “Ow!” As much as it hurt, it was nothing like what Chaos had put him through earlier. This sort of pain, administered from Taylor, was one that he welcomed. She put on that customer service smile again and scooped a refreshing serve of strawberry sorbet for a woman fanning herself with an event map.

  He rubbed the spot on his upper arm where she had punched, gingerly lifting up his sleeve; a bruise had begun blooming there.

  “Hey!” She barked. She gestured at the next customer with her eyes and Ever got to work.

  —-

  Ever, Taylor and Chaos stood inside the ice cream store, facing one another.

  “A lot of people paid with card, but I’ve counted the cash that we got and there’s just enough for the two of you. Here are your bonuses.” She handed the two of them their usual pay, plus some additional notes. “End of day one, get some rest because we’re going to do it all again tomorrow…” she winced and headed for the door. “Come on now, out. I want to go home.”

  They said their farewells and went their separate ways. Ever put his hands in his pockets, watching the other stall owners pack up as he walked past them. The air pulsed and sure enough, like every day so far, extra cash appeared in his pocket.

  *I don’t want your cash, Chaos.*

  ∞I don’t need it.∞

  *I don’t need it either.*

  ∞Yet you stockpile in a bag.∞

  Ever balled his hands into fists in his pockets and continued walking home.