A Steady Situation 3, Part 10

He tapped his fingers on the door for a moment, paused, opened it, then closed it behind him again.

Hi, just checking to see how you’re doing.

The candles flickered.

I’m fine, I really have to finish this.

Ok, cool. Do you want anything to eat?

No, like I said, I have to finish this.

It’s just, you haven’t been eating your meals. Are you just not hungry?

I guess not.

You do really have to eat.

She sat in perfect stillness for longer than a moment, then set her pen down, and turned around. The candlelight burned shadows under her cheeks.

Do you have anything more constructive to do?

No, I’m worried about you.

Well, I’m sorry you’re worried, but this needs to be done. You’re not the only one who gets worried. There’ll be people without houses if I don’t get this done and on time.

But if you don’t eat-

Oh for heaven’s sake, SHUT UP!

I-

SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP!

But-

Get out.