Emanuel "Sandy" Sanderson

To dream is to hope. To hope is to believe. To believe is to have faith.

[faithinthemoon]

Open Starter || Rain & Coffee

Where: Ambrosia Café | When: Evening | Who: Open to All

On this rainy day, thankfully things were slow. Ideally, a worker would be handling the front but the Ambrosia was painfully short staffed this season and Emanuel didn't have the heart to refuse their desired vacation days... So he had to man the cafe alone for a few days this month. Aside from the few regulars in the morning, the Ambrosia was empty. This was a perfect day to get some administrative work out of the way.

Emanuel sat at his small desk space, hunched over his laptop. A pained look on his face, he tried making sense of this damned Excel sheet for what felt like HOURS. It seemed no matter how hard he tried, the total cash wasn't lining up to their actual earnings.

Was one of his employees stealing small amounts of cash here and there? It couldn't be... He had complete faith in his small team of servers and baristas. The thought that something was potentially going on behind his back was deeply troubling. They were good people! The kind that celebrate his birthday with a cheap cake, they even bothered learning ASL for his sake. Swayed by their kindness, Manny often put way too much trust into his workers and allowed them quite a lot of freedom on the floor. Emanuel had never considered possible thievery. He sighs deeply and buries his head in the palm of his hands, practically trying to massage the worries out of his brain.

The sound of the door bell snaps him out of his despair. Manny perks up. FINALLY something to do! He quickly closes his laptop (after saving of course) and makes his way behind the counter. A bright smile plastered on his face, he readies himself for his customer.

[cxrmine]

nature had always been a double edged sword for carmine.

she remembered days in her youth where she would sometimes stop to stare at flowers. if in the spring, it was how vibrant the colors were. the petals shining underneath the sun's rays as they sang and joy with the new season. how they seemed to glow with vitality in an area where they could thrive.

if it was in winter, she remembered how barren the lands were, and yet some flora seemed to endure the harsh season. with frost along its branches, snow covering the ground and chilling it to its roots. they had quiet subtle strength to survive the winter. despite the odds, here they were persevering.

it was admirable some days. other days-

carmine remembered being abandoned in the woods. being told by an associate of her father's that she needed to find her way back home. it was the middle of the evening- no moon, no stars to guide her. Not even a weapon to help herself with. The associate left soon after and she was left trying to navigate her way back home with nothing to her name.

her father loved doing that to his children. they had to learn independence. self sufficiency. they had to be able to hold their own before they could contribute to the family.

she loathed nature in those moments. those training grounds meant to harden her spirit- prepare her for the worst and learn to be a weapon.

olympian gardens seemed to hold the spirit of both, carmine thought as she walked through it. there was serenity and stillness here- the anticipation of something while holding everything else at bay outside of those brushes. carmine wasn't sure how to feel about it, but her granny had told her to go talk a walk and she hardly had a chance to argue before she was practically thrown out the door by the old woman.

her senses were still sharp- still too aware of the world around her. she had initially wanted to pretend she hadn't seen the person on the bench. they stay to their business, and she stay to theirs. but they acknowledged her first. moving to the side and offering up a space on the bench. her instincts warred within her, but her grandmother's teachings of respect won out.

"excuse me," she mumbled, taking a seat and trying to figure out if she was meant to talk to this person- a random stranger. did stranger danger apply to adults? "i can leave," carmine offered, turning to the other, "if you were having a moment of... uh... reading?"

[faithinthemoon]

As soon as she mentioned his book, Emanuel looked back at it and chuckled quietly. He shakes his head "no" and waves his hand to insist she pays it no mind. Manny pulls out his phone and types before showing her.

"Don't worry about it! No need to leave. :-)"

But he notices her fidgeting, on edge, hyper aware of her surroundings... Clearly something was bothering her. Perhaps he was the problem? The young man never knew a day where he was described as threatening but he was no stranger to the day to day most women faced... Emanuel understood completely.

"Would you like me to leave? I understand!"

He remains seated but he shifts as if ready to get up, his worried eyes fixated on her. The last thing he'd ever want is to cause her any more distress. In fact, if she needed anything from him, he was ready to attend to it immediately! Hoping to appease her, Emanuel gives her a reassuring smile and a nod.

[allxtted]

Sloane was really loving Godscobh during the summer. All the fun events were the perfect thing to keep her active! She'd met the owner of Ambrosia's through Tim and instantly took a liking to the man because of his softness. He reminded her of the kind of person she'd like to be.

She's suggested doing a charity drive for heart health after reading up on it in her biology classes, and Emanuel had let her run free with the idea. With plenty of his help, of course!

"This isn't redeemable, right?" It felt like a stupid question, but Sloane hadn't ever run one of these things before. The sopping wet dollar bill that surfer dude had pulled out of his swim trunks was half torn, so she removed it from the charity bucket with care.

@faithinthemoon

[faithinthemoon]

From beyond the bar, Emanuel winced at the sorry state of the bill. Even at a distance, he could tell that thing was mangled. Unfortunately, their fundraiser event hadn't pulled as many people as they hoped. But in charity, every bit counts and he knew to be grateful for any participation. The young man was more concerned about Sloane's feelings. She was a good kid, with a great future ahead of her. He didn't want her to feel discouraged should they not have managed to hit her goal.

Emanuel had offered free coffee to visitors, they had sold various trinkets and foods to try and help the cause. It was a relative success but it would be bad practice to celebrate too early. For now, anticipation dominated the room.

He sets down two cups of tea at their table and sits across from her. Manny looks at her with concern but offers her a smile to drive up optimism.

"After a few minutes under the hairdryer, it should be fine. Just put it aside for now!" He signs. "How much so far?"

[unusual-suspects]

x

[mortalrelics]

Haneul had brought his sketchbook to the gardens today, seeking inspiration in the lighting, the colours, and the lively atmosphere. It was one of the few places he really relaxed and could just exist. No need to run, no need to look all sharp and eager to kiss up to whoever stepped into the gallery ready to spend money. Here, Haneul could lean back and lose himself in the beauty of quiet moments. 

He noticed the man on the bench where he usually sat with his sketches, and the way he was reading with intense focus. The sudden, almost guilty movement to hide his book took Haneul off guard. He recognised it, though. He had seen it in artists who were ridiculed rather than celebrated for their works and interests. He always found it dumb how quick people were to judge others’ interests.

When the man gestured for him to join, Haneul offered a polite nod of his head and a genuine smile. He settled on the bench, keeping a respectable distance between the two of them as they were still strangers. “Thank you,” he said, setting his sketchbook down on his lap. His eyes moved towards the other again, curious about what he had been reading, but he didn’t say anything about it. He didn’t want to make the man feel like he was judged or watched. That feeling came all too easily in Godscobh anyway, he didn’t need to add to it. 

“Sorry to disturb your peace,” he said politely, flipping open his sketchbook. It was a sketch he had been working on for a while, which was why he kept returning to this particular spot. He wanted to get the details right.  He pulled out a pencil from his bag, and leaned back in his seat. “I’m Haneul, by the way. I don’t think we’ve met? Have I seen you around the town before?” 

[faithinthemoon]

As Emanuel settled into his shared seating position, he couldn't help but take a peak at the stranger's sketch book. Although it was a sketch, the talent was undeniable! He could recognize that the drawing illustrated the plants ahead of them. Recognizing his hypocrisy for looking while wanting to hide away his book, Manny tentatively lowers his walls. He opts to do the same as his visitor and lays the dream dictionary onto his lap, cover up so he could see what he was reading. Perhaps, there was no reason to be afraid after all!

Emanuel lifts his finger; asking for a moment before pulling out his phone. He types quickly and turns his screen to the artist.

"Nice to meet you, Haneul! I'm Emanuel. You may have seen me at Ambrosia? I'm the manager. ☕"

He gives Haneul a friendly nod when their eyes meet. Emanuel then points to the sketchbook and offers him a candid thumbs up, mouthing "wow" and nodding in approval.

"Do you do this for work?"

It truly was a pleasure to meet unknown residents! Godscobh has a way of surprising him. This probably was his first time meeting such a skilled artist! He had dabbled into painting in the past but he was far from blessed with the brush. Though there is some beauty in amateur work, seeing professionals at work always left him in awe. Frankly, Emanuel was sort of star struck!

[rowanrye]

her trip through the garden was peaceful. softly humming as she walked without a thought of anyone else around her. flats carried in one hand while she held the strap of her tote bag in the other. clearly with a purpose even she didn't really know if she had.

she had the perfect place in mind that didn't involve her usual day of listening to screaming children playing, it's why she picked the gardens. it was much more peaceful. her steps slowed when she noticed him reading, humming skipping for a moment out of curiosity.

when he moved to let her take a seat, shook her head. hand raising from her bag strap to deny the offer. "no, i'm good," she gave a weak laugh as her lips curled up awkwardly. "i was just curious about what you were reading. i didn't mean to interrupt."

[faithinthemoon]

Someone caught him... damn. Well now that she was asking what he'd been reading, Emanuel couldn't lie to her. He smiles sheepishly and reveals his book's cover: "Dream Dictionary". Willing to indulge her curiosity, Manny hands her the thick book so she can have a look if she'd like. As soon as it moves to her hands, he swiftly takes out his phone. Assuming she didn't speak ALS.

"Looking for answers. Been having strange dreams these days!"

Bashful, he can't help but avoid her gaze. The anticipation of a weirded out response leaving him small under the standing woman. His interest in dreams was a bit like admitting he believed in Astrology... Generally, it was perceived as odd and honestly a little embarrassing for a man to admit.

As he looks to the ground for some safety, he notices she's not wearing her shoes. "Free spirited." He thinks to himself. This almost comforts him. Usually, the no shoes in the park type of people vibed pretty well with "I decipher my dreams every morning" types. Well, as far as he knew...

He flashes her his phone once more.

"I'm Emanuel! :-)"

[grey-eyed-thea]

Thea wouldn't say she's a rigid personality. She's actually quite adept at reacting when situations change. Of course, most of the time she has at least one back-up plan but that's besides the point. So, she shouldn't feel this paralyzed by a change in her routine right?

She's familiar with the garden's busy times and when it's virtually if not completely empty. She prefers those times to get out of her office and soak up some summer sun. But there's someone here. And they're sitting at her preferred bench.

She's thrown off. She can't explain it. Of all the things in her life to be thrown off by...

But the man is gesturing for her to sit down. Clearly he's not that thrown off by her, so she shouldn't be either.

"Apologies," she says, taking a seat. "Just wasn't expecting another person here today. At this time."

She regains her composure, straightening her back, rolling back her shoulders, and tilting her chin up slightly. Calm, collected, unfazed.

[faithinthemoon]

It was clear to Emanuel that the woman before him was troubled by his presence. In a sense, this appeased him; he was just as thrown off by her arrival! But he knew to be the bigger person and share... It is what he had learned all his life after all.

Besides, how else could he react to Honorable Chief Judge Pallas materializing herself, dead set on occupying his favorite bench. He respected her deeply. Though he assumed that surely she must have forgotten they'd crossed paths 10 years prior when the Patriaca famila attempted to murder him by way of... crushing him with a car. Judge Pallas had served as prosecutor on the case at the time. The mobster who didn't die on impact unfortunately landed himself a hefty sentence. All thanks to her diligent work and strong sense of justice. Something Emanuel would be eternally grateful for.

Waiting for her to take his invitation to sit by his side, he takes out his cellphone and begins typing.

"Best seat in the gardens, right?"

He waits a moment, making sure she read the entire message then returns the screen towards himself to add.

"Is this bench two small for the two of us? 🤠"

He chuckles quietly at his own attempt at lighting up the mood. Emanuel had a penchant for being a bit corny at times.

[thelensofapisces]

Ocean of dreams

[faithinthemoon]

Open Starter || Peculiar Interests

Where: Olympian gardens | When: mid-day | Whom: open to all

Today is a day off for Emanuel. He seldom gets the chance to stop and rest. For the occasion, the young manager chose to go to one of his favourite places, Olympian Gardens. At a slow pace, he makes his way to a bench. In truth, he would be tempted to claim it was "his" bench. After all, he never saw anyone else sit there and coming to this spot has become a bit of a ritual during his few days of rest.

A tranquil and quiet stroll. Always stopping to smell the fresh air when it hit the various flowers of the garden. Taking in every bit of nature he can as if uncertain he'd get the chance to do so any time soon. Once he'd sufficiently reconnected with the elements, he proceeds to his final destination: the bench! A quiet groan escapes him as he sits down. Tired wasn't enough to describe the pains in his body from standing long hours at the Ambrosia. The weight of keeping the establishment open was definitely starting to take a toll but Emanuel never once considered leaving. In fact, he almost felt guilty to be away from his post. Surely a bit of administration was left to be done. What of the day old pastries? Would his worker remember to give them away? Did-- "Never mind all that, Emanuel!" he thinks to himself. He takes a deep inhale to recenter himself. In actuality, Emanuel had come with a purpose beyond relaxation this time. He had brought a book... a dream dictionary! Which he opens almost impatiently moments after settling down. The young manager begins reading with intent, deeply focused. Last night he had a weird dream and he's keen on deciphering.

A wheat field. A golden sunset. A child running away from him. Always out of reach. The child disappears into the foliage only to emerge as a flock of doves...

Just as he begins to find keywords and definitions, he hears the sound of gravel cracking under the weight of someone approaching. Emanuel moves to close the book half way, almost instinctively hiding it from prying eyes. He's aware of the oddity of his... peculiar interest in dreams. Being mute, he has very few options in ways to explain away his odd choice of literature. Should they have noticed the book, he can only hope the other is open minded enough not to mock him. Then again, it's not like it would have been the first time. With a brother like his...

Emanuel looks up, squinting slightly as the sun rays light up his face. He smiles awkwardly and nods in acknowledgement, waiting for his judgment. A quiet moment passes... Suddenly, it hits him. Perhaps they wanted to sit there as well and he had selfishly taken up all the space available! He hurriedly shifts aside, leaving a space available by his side. With an inviting gesture and a reassuring nod, he indicates to the stranger that he's free to join him.

[windflowerstorm]

[91939art]

One captain to another, talking of the old days.