May 17: Working

[Douglas Decker]

"Five hundred pounds is not worth yet another drain on my time."

[Elizabeth Miller]

"You want more money, then?"

[Douglas Decker]

"Keeping someone busy for three weeks is too much of a drain on my time when I already have to deal with inane hoops to jump through from my advisor."

[Elizabeth Miller]

"A week might be acceptable."

[Douglas Decker]

"I wish you good luck, but I am not interested."

[Elizabeth Miller]

Elizabeth sighed. And started to cry.

[Zeryn]

Zeryn paused in the doorway, looking at the surreal scene before him. "Is everything all right?"

[Elizabeth Miller]

"Yes, its fine." Elizabeth said, wiping her eyes. It wouldn't do to cry over one boy around another.

[Zeryn]

Zeryn obviously didn't seem to buy it. "Are you sure?" he asked, glancing suspiciously at Doug as he crouched next to Elizabeth.

[Elizabeth Miller]

"I'm sure." Elizabeth said "We were just talking about a small problem."

[Zeryn]

Zeryn nodded, looking up at Doug again, then back. "Can I help?" he asked.

[Elizabeth Miller]

"No" Elizabeth said "that isn't something you need to do."

[Zeryn]

"Well naturally I do not need to," he pointed out. "I could simply walk through the door again. But that was not the question, was it?"

[Elizabeth Miller]

"Thank you, but it would be indelicate for me to discuss this matter with you."

[Zeryn]

"Ah," Zeryn said, looking a bit surprised at the statement. "Well, then, I apologize for trying to intrude."

[Elizabeth Miller]

"Its alright." Elizabeth replied.

[Zeryn]

And without another word, Zeryn left.