We deliver milk

and sometimes other things...

[milk-from-the-hip]

Oo's yer dad?

Probably one of us.

Peter No Milk Story Arc

MasterPost!

This is a blog for David Jeffery and Tony Simons (hc name for the milkman from the grain mill flurry). It's run by @blueest-owl.

David (he/him) will be in red, Tony (he/him) in blue, mod in this colour.

For this blog to work Tony and David work together (for the same milk company).

Also 2 extra milkmen are now here: Jessie (she/her) who is ordained and Dan (he/they) who is a man of few words.

David gets #milk bottles go clink clink

Tony gets #I got caught with milk

And mod gets #I run the milk gang

no nsfw or creepyness pls

[twig-the-little-fella]

*there's a knock at the door*

- @milk-from-the-hip

*Lucas opens the door, an extremely exhausted look on their face*

Hm?

[milk-from-the-hip]

I have your milk. *he hands Lucas the bottle*

[twig-the-little-fella]

Oh, thank you, here’s the money

*they give David the money*

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he leaves*

[milk-from-the-hip]

Continued from here @lemon-melon-cakes

I said that before, I do need a roomate.

[lemon-melon-cakes]

"Sorry, I... what If I moved in...?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I might say we are moving a bit fast, but I wouldn't object.

[lemon-melon-cakes]

Janes cheeks flush. "I-I mean. This. Technically. Wouldn't be our first date. It's just our first official one."

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he chuckles* I suppose. I also suppose you wouldn't object to me doing this again. *he kisses her on the lips*

[lemon-melon-cakes]

She stumbles a bit, clearly not expecting it, but comfortably finds herself resting her hands around the nape of his neck.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he chuckles and backs away slightly* So, roommates?

[lemon-melon-cakes]

"Yeah. Roommates."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I need the money, that's why I need a roommate, just so you're aware.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Continued from here @lemon-melon-cakes

I said that before, I do need a roomate.

[lemon-melon-cakes]

"Sorry, I... what If I moved in...?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I might say we are moving a bit fast, but I wouldn't object.

[lemon-melon-cakes]

Janes cheeks flush. "I-I mean. This. Technically. Wouldn't be our first date. It's just our first official one."

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he chuckles* I suppose. I also suppose you wouldn't object to me doing this again. *he kisses her on the lips*

[lemon-melon-cakes]

She stumbles a bit, clearly not expecting it, but comfortably finds herself resting her hands around the nape of his neck.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he chuckles and backs away slightly* So, roommates?

[twig-the-little-fella]

*there's a knock at the door*

- @milk-from-the-hip

*Lucas opens the door, an extremely exhausted look on their face*

Hm?

[milk-from-the-hip]

I have your milk. *he hands Lucas the bottle*

[milk-from-the-hip]

Continued from here @lemon-melon-cakes

I said that before, I do need a roomate.

[lemon-melon-cakes]

"Sorry, I... what If I moved in...?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I might say we are moving a bit fast, but I wouldn't object.

[lemon-melon-cakes]

Janes cheeks flush. "I-I mean. This. Technically. Wouldn't be our first date. It's just our first official one."

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he chuckles* I suppose. I also suppose you wouldn't object to me doing this again. *he kisses her on the lips*

[milk-from-the-hip]

Continued from here @lemon-melon-cakes

I said that before, I do need a roomate.

[lemon-melon-cakes]

"Sorry, I... what If I moved in...?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I might say we are moving a bit fast, but I wouldn't object.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Continued from here @lemon-melon-cakes

I said that before, I do need a roomate.

[gemma-of-shropshire]

*a knock sounds at the door*

- @milk-from-the-hip

(opening the door) Oh hey! Good morning.

(She opens her wallet, counting out the money.)

[milk-from-the-hip]

Good morning, Gemma.*he hands her the milk*

[gemma-of-shropshire]

Tony?! I haven't seen you for so long! (She takes the milk.) Well, I hope you've been doing well!

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been on quite a long break. *he chuckles*

[gemma-of-shropshire]

(amused) I can see that. I hope the break was good for you!

[milk-from-the-hip]

I was off with a girlfriend so it can't have been that bad.

[gemma-of-shropshire]

*a knock sounds at the door*

- @milk-from-the-hip

(opening the door) Oh hey! Good morning.

(She opens her wallet, counting out the money.)

[milk-from-the-hip]

Good morning, Gemma.*he hands her the milk*

[gemma-of-shropshire]

Tony?! I haven't seen you for so long! (She takes the milk.) Well, I hope you've been doing well!

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been on quite a long break. *he chuckles*

[gemma-of-shropshire]

*a knock sounds at the door*

- @milk-from-the-hip

(opening the door) Oh hey! Good morning.

(She opens her wallet, counting out the money.)

[milk-from-the-hip]

Good morning, Gemma.*he hands her the milk*

[milk-from-the-hip]

[Cindy drives her moped over to the new street added to her route, parks, and takes her milk carrier before walking over to the door and knocking.] "Hello? Good morning. I've got your milk for you."

*David opens the door* Hello, Cindy. *he smiles warmly*

[blogging-cindy]

"Mr. David." Cindy's tone is surprised. "I'm--I'm sorry. Do I have the wrong address?" She excuses herself and checks the details on her phone. "No. I believe this is the right place."

[milk-from-the-hip]

This is the right address, one semi-skimmed- don't tell Peter. I wanted to talk with you, our last meeting got cut short. *he opens the door wider* Please, come in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy's grip tightens slightly around the handle of her milk carrier, her feet staying planted at the threshold a beat longer than necessary before she catches herself, not wanting to seem rude. She offers a small nod. "Of course, Mr. David. Thank you for having me," she says, and steps inside.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Would you like something to eat or drink? *he leads her to the living room*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy follows him into the living room, glancing around briefly before settling her attention back on him.

"I--thank you for offering, Mr. David." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. "But if I may ask, there was a reason you added your address to my round this week. Is something the matter?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I am worried about you, with what you've been through.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy goes still.

How could he possibly know what you've been through.

Ignoring the voice, she forces a smile. "I don't-- are you talking about the accident I got into last week?" She keeps her voice even. "You don't have to worry about that, I promise. It's all fine now. My wound even healed up."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I just want to check in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy knows he cares, and gratitude tangles with guilt in equal measure inside her. He's already given her so much, a second job, a place in his company, kindness she didn't ask for and isn't sure she's earned. The last thing she wants is to drag him into whatever happened to her back in Hatchetfield, and everything else that happened after that. Not after everything he's done for her. And especially not now, knowing he has a family to think about. She offers a small, practiced smile, the same one she's gotten good at holding steady. "That's very kind of you, Mr. David. But really, there's no need to worry. I'm doing fine."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I want honesty from you, Cindy. I'd rather help you than have someone unstable delivering milk for my company.

[blogging-cindy]

Oooohh. He hates you now. Cindy's caught off guard by David calling her unstable, it stings.

And for a moment, she's back in Angus's bakery, feeling as small as she always did whenever he talked to her.

She swallows against it, forcing her expression to stay even. "I'm not unstable, Mr. David," she says quietly, steadier than she feels. "I don't want to lie to you, not after everything you've done for me." A pause, her resolve wavering slightly. "I admit what happened to me--it's not easy to get over. But I'd never let that get in the way of my work. I promise I'm a professional."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I'd like to say I'm worried only for your performance, but I am worried for you personally too. I would like it if you allow me to help you.

[blogging-cindy]

"You've already helped me enough, Mr. David," Cindy responds, the tension she's feeling not easing but not as overwhelming as before. "And this is--well, if I tell you everything, the whole truth...you might end up thinking I've gone mad."

[milk-from-the-hip]

My son was on a sentient train known as the Silver Line, if that story doesn't seem mad I don't know what does.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy considers this for a moment. If Mr. David has had experience with the supernatural, on top of what happened with Peter and the potion, then maybe... she can trust him with this.

"I--" She wrings her fingers together. "I'm afraid it's a long story. If you've got time?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've got time, my son is doing all my deliveries today.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy takes a breath before starting.

"It started when I was a wee child, and my mum gave me a book. This book is... it's magic, or it has magic. I'm still learning about it myself. But it's a book that worships these eldritch beings."

She glances down at her hands, twisting them together in her lap. "My mum was a Waylon, her side of the family, they're disciples of these eldritch beings. When she was old enough, she ran away from home and moved to Scotland. But she took the book with her."

Cindy pauses, her throat tightening slightly. "And then she just gave it to me one day, made me promise to look after it. And then she died."

[milk-from-the-hip]

A book? Of magic?

[blogging-cindy]

"Yes. It's exactly that. It has spells and rituals. And it was used for evil." Cindy hesitates. "But I'm--I want to--I did use it for good."

She twists her fingers together, searching for the right way to say the next part. "I thought...if I was going to be entrusted with something like that, something meant for darkness, I thought, at least I could try to use it to help more people instead. And I know I can do more, I can understand it more, if I learned more about it. And if I could learn about my mother and the town she grew up in" She lets out a small breath. "So I went and visited her town, Hatchetfield. And... " she swallows a lump in her throat. "There's--there's something about that town, Mr. David."

Her voice drops slightly, like even saying it out loud makes it feel more real. "I felt it the moment I stepped foot on their ground. There was something in the air, something in the energy around that place."

She shakes her head, trying to find the words. "You mentioned you're no stranger to the supernatural and I've encountered a few here myself. "But--there? Its different."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been to a magical school, I can't imagine it's much dissimilar.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy isn't sure if that's true, she hasn't experienced that school herself so she has no way of comparing. So she continues instead.

"Well, as you can imagine, things went to hell during that little visit. You know about the bus accident. And you know that me and my companion were attacked in the woods." Her fingers curl slightly in her lap. "But what I didn't mention was that they weren't human." the words come out of her mouth slowly. " I don't-- I don't really know what they were. But they have this power to pull you into an illusion, and not even just an illusion, you're able to feel everything. And when you're in a trance, they--they kill you."

She swallows, the memory still raw even now.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he hugs her*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy freezes in the hug, caught completely off guard. She's been hugged before, but this is different. This is a father hugging her, and it's something she's never had.

Something in her breaks open at the simple, unfamiliar weight of it, and before she can stop it, she's shaking, and crying, the kind she hasn't let herself do since that night in the woods.

"I'm--I'm sorry for breaking down like that. That was rude of me. " She apologizes once they pull back.

Cindy wipes her tears with her hand. "As you can see, that's why I've been so out of sorts," she says, quieter now, but steadier too. "Those...things killed my companion right in front of me, and I--I couldn't do anything. He did everything to protect me, but I couldn't even help him." She let's of a shuddered breath. "And when I tried to look up his family or loved ones, to tell them he's gone, I couldn't even do that for him either."

She falls quiet after that, something in her posture loosening, like she's set down a weight she's been carrying for far too long.

And There's nothing left to say.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want me to help you look? I deliver to a lot of people.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy shakes her head. "That's kind of you to offer. But "I already tried everything I could think of" she says. "I've called every number in his phone, searched every record I could find and there's nothing. It's like he never existed at all." Adjusting her posture, she wipes more tears from hears. "Letting me unload all that is already a huge help."

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want a week off?

[blogging-cindy]

"No. No, I don't." Cindy is quick to respond. "Honestly, I don't need it. I'm fine to deliver. I promise."

[milk-from-the-hip]

You can still have your pay, I just want to know you are ok.

[blogging-cindy]

"I understand that you're still worried," Cindy begins. "But I really am fine to continue working." She doesn't hesitate before continuing. "I meant it when I said I've come to enjoy this job and it's become really important to me. Truthfully… it's been one of the things that's helping me keep going."

[milk-from-the-hip]

If you are sure. Now, go and deliver the rest of your milk.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy offers him a small, grateful smile. "Thank you for listening to all of that, Mr. David." She stands and walks towards the door. "I'll be on my way now. I hope you and your family have a good day" And with that, she walks out the door and leaves.

[milk-from-the-hip]

[Cindy drives her moped over to the new street added to her route, parks, and takes her milk carrier before walking over to the door and knocking.] "Hello? Good morning. I've got your milk for you."

*David opens the door* Hello, Cindy. *he smiles warmly*

[blogging-cindy]

"Mr. David." Cindy's tone is surprised. "I'm--I'm sorry. Do I have the wrong address?" She excuses herself and checks the details on her phone. "No. I believe this is the right place."

[milk-from-the-hip]

This is the right address, one semi-skimmed- don't tell Peter. I wanted to talk with you, our last meeting got cut short. *he opens the door wider* Please, come in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy's grip tightens slightly around the handle of her milk carrier, her feet staying planted at the threshold a beat longer than necessary before she catches herself, not wanting to seem rude. She offers a small nod. "Of course, Mr. David. Thank you for having me," she says, and steps inside.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Would you like something to eat or drink? *he leads her to the living room*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy follows him into the living room, glancing around briefly before settling her attention back on him.

"I--thank you for offering, Mr. David." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. "But if I may ask, there was a reason you added your address to my round this week. Is something the matter?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I am worried about you, with what you've been through.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy goes still.

How could he possibly know what you've been through.

Ignoring the voice, she forces a smile. "I don't-- are you talking about the accident I got into last week?" She keeps her voice even. "You don't have to worry about that, I promise. It's all fine now. My wound even healed up."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I just want to check in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy knows he cares, and gratitude tangles with guilt in equal measure inside her. He's already given her so much, a second job, a place in his company, kindness she didn't ask for and isn't sure she's earned. The last thing she wants is to drag him into whatever happened to her back in Hatchetfield, and everything else that happened after that. Not after everything he's done for her. And especially not now, knowing he has a family to think about. She offers a small, practiced smile, the same one she's gotten good at holding steady. "That's very kind of you, Mr. David. But really, there's no need to worry. I'm doing fine."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I want honesty from you, Cindy. I'd rather help you than have someone unstable delivering milk for my company.

[blogging-cindy]

Oooohh. He hates you now. Cindy's caught off guard by David calling her unstable, it stings.

And for a moment, she's back in Angus's bakery, feeling as small as she always did whenever he talked to her.

She swallows against it, forcing her expression to stay even. "I'm not unstable, Mr. David," she says quietly, steadier than she feels. "I don't want to lie to you, not after everything you've done for me." A pause, her resolve wavering slightly. "I admit what happened to me--it's not easy to get over. But I'd never let that get in the way of my work. I promise I'm a professional."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I'd like to say I'm worried only for your performance, but I am worried for you personally too. I would like it if you allow me to help you.

[blogging-cindy]

"You've already helped me enough, Mr. David," Cindy responds, the tension she's feeling not easing but not as overwhelming as before. "And this is--well, if I tell you everything, the whole truth...you might end up thinking I've gone mad."

[milk-from-the-hip]

My son was on a sentient train known as the Silver Line, if that story doesn't seem mad I don't know what does.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy considers this for a moment. If Mr. David has had experience with the supernatural, on top of what happened with Peter and the potion, then maybe... she can trust him with this.

"I--" She wrings her fingers together. "I'm afraid it's a long story. If you've got time?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've got time, my son is doing all my deliveries today.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy takes a breath before starting.

"It started when I was a wee child, and my mum gave me a book. This book is... it's magic, or it has magic. I'm still learning about it myself. But it's a book that worships these eldritch beings."

She glances down at her hands, twisting them together in her lap. "My mum was a Waylon, her side of the family, they're disciples of these eldritch beings. When she was old enough, she ran away from home and moved to Scotland. But she took the book with her."

Cindy pauses, her throat tightening slightly. "And then she just gave it to me one day, made me promise to look after it. And then she died."

[milk-from-the-hip]

A book? Of magic?

[blogging-cindy]

"Yes. It's exactly that. It has spells and rituals. And it was used for evil." Cindy hesitates. "But I'm--I want to--I did use it for good."

She twists her fingers together, searching for the right way to say the next part. "I thought...if I was going to be entrusted with something like that, something meant for darkness, I thought, at least I could try to use it to help more people instead. And I know I can do more, I can understand it more, if I learned more about it. And if I could learn about my mother and the town she grew up in" She lets out a small breath. "So I went and visited her town, Hatchetfield. And... " she swallows a lump in her throat. "There's--there's something about that town, Mr. David."

Her voice drops slightly, like even saying it out loud makes it feel more real. "I felt it the moment I stepped foot on their ground. There was something in the air, something in the energy around that place."

She shakes her head, trying to find the words. "You mentioned you're no stranger to the supernatural and I've encountered a few here myself. "But--there? Its different."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been to a magical school, I can't imagine it's much dissimilar.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy isn't sure if that's true, she hasn't experienced that school herself so she has no way of comparing. So she continues instead.

"Well, as you can imagine, things went to hell during that little visit. You know about the bus accident. And you know that me and my companion were attacked in the woods." Her fingers curl slightly in her lap. "But what I didn't mention was that they weren't human." the words come out of her mouth slowly. " I don't-- I don't really know what they were. But they have this power to pull you into an illusion, and not even just an illusion, you're able to feel everything. And when you're in a trance, they--they kill you."

She swallows, the memory still raw even now.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he hugs her*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy freezes in the hug, caught completely off guard. She's been hugged before, but this is different. This is a father hugging her, and it's something she's never had.

Something in her breaks open at the simple, unfamiliar weight of it, and before she can stop it, she's shaking, and crying, the kind she hasn't let herself do since that night in the woods.

"I'm--I'm sorry for breaking down like that. That was rude of me. " She apologizes once they pull back.

Cindy wipes her tears with her hand. "As you can see, that's why I've been so out of sorts," she says, quieter now, but steadier too. "Those...things killed my companion right in front of me, and I--I couldn't do anything. He did everything to protect me, but I couldn't even help him." She let's of a shuddered breath. "And when I tried to look up his family or loved ones, to tell them he's gone, I couldn't even do that for him either."

She falls quiet after that, something in her posture loosening, like she's set down a weight she's been carrying for far too long.

And There's nothing left to say.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want me to help you look? I deliver to a lot of people.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy shakes her head. "That's kind of you to offer. But "I already tried everything I could think of" she says. "I've called every number in his phone, searched every record I could find and there's nothing. It's like he never existed at all." Adjusting her posture, she wipes more tears from hears. "Letting me unload all that is already a huge help."

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want a week off?

[blogging-cindy]

"No. No, I don't." Cindy is quick to respond. "Honestly, I don't need it. I'm fine to deliver. I promise."

[milk-from-the-hip]

You can still have your pay, I just want to know you are ok.

[blogging-cindy]

"I understand that you're still worried," Cindy begins. "But I really am fine to continue working." She doesn't hesitate before continuing. "I meant it when I said I've come to enjoy this job and it's become really important to me. Truthfully… it's been one of the things that's helping me keep going."

[milk-from-the-hip]

If you are sure. Now, go and deliver the rest of your milk.

[milk-from-the-hip]

[Cindy drives her moped over to the new street added to her route, parks, and takes her milk carrier before walking over to the door and knocking.] "Hello? Good morning. I've got your milk for you."

*David opens the door* Hello, Cindy. *he smiles warmly*

[blogging-cindy]

"Mr. David." Cindy's tone is surprised. "I'm--I'm sorry. Do I have the wrong address?" She excuses herself and checks the details on her phone. "No. I believe this is the right place."

[milk-from-the-hip]

This is the right address, one semi-skimmed- don't tell Peter. I wanted to talk with you, our last meeting got cut short. *he opens the door wider* Please, come in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy's grip tightens slightly around the handle of her milk carrier, her feet staying planted at the threshold a beat longer than necessary before she catches herself, not wanting to seem rude. She offers a small nod. "Of course, Mr. David. Thank you for having me," she says, and steps inside.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Would you like something to eat or drink? *he leads her to the living room*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy follows him into the living room, glancing around briefly before settling her attention back on him.

"I--thank you for offering, Mr. David." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. "But if I may ask, there was a reason you added your address to my round this week. Is something the matter?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I am worried about you, with what you've been through.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy goes still.

How could he possibly know what you've been through.

Ignoring the voice, she forces a smile. "I don't-- are you talking about the accident I got into last week?" She keeps her voice even. "You don't have to worry about that, I promise. It's all fine now. My wound even healed up."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I just want to check in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy knows he cares, and gratitude tangles with guilt in equal measure inside her. He's already given her so much, a second job, a place in his company, kindness she didn't ask for and isn't sure she's earned. The last thing she wants is to drag him into whatever happened to her back in Hatchetfield, and everything else that happened after that. Not after everything he's done for her. And especially not now, knowing he has a family to think about. She offers a small, practiced smile, the same one she's gotten good at holding steady. "That's very kind of you, Mr. David. But really, there's no need to worry. I'm doing fine."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I want honesty from you, Cindy. I'd rather help you than have someone unstable delivering milk for my company.

[blogging-cindy]

Oooohh. He hates you now. Cindy's caught off guard by David calling her unstable, it stings.

And for a moment, she's back in Angus's bakery, feeling as small as she always did whenever he talked to her.

She swallows against it, forcing her expression to stay even. "I'm not unstable, Mr. David," she says quietly, steadier than she feels. "I don't want to lie to you, not after everything you've done for me." A pause, her resolve wavering slightly. "I admit what happened to me--it's not easy to get over. But I'd never let that get in the way of my work. I promise I'm a professional."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I'd like to say I'm worried only for your performance, but I am worried for you personally too. I would like it if you allow me to help you.

[blogging-cindy]

"You've already helped me enough, Mr. David," Cindy responds, the tension she's feeling not easing but not as overwhelming as before. "And this is--well, if I tell you everything, the whole truth...you might end up thinking I've gone mad."

[milk-from-the-hip]

My son was on a sentient train known as the Silver Line, if that story doesn't seem mad I don't know what does.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy considers this for a moment. If Mr. David has had experience with the supernatural, on top of what happened with Peter and the potion, then maybe... she can trust him with this.

"I--" She wrings her fingers together. "I'm afraid it's a long story. If you've got time?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've got time, my son is doing all my deliveries today.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy takes a breath before starting.

"It started when I was a wee child, and my mum gave me a book. This book is... it's magic, or it has magic. I'm still learning about it myself. But it's a book that worships these eldritch beings."

She glances down at her hands, twisting them together in her lap. "My mum was a Waylon, her side of the family, they're disciples of these eldritch beings. When she was old enough, she ran away from home and moved to Scotland. But she took the book with her."

Cindy pauses, her throat tightening slightly. "And then she just gave it to me one day, made me promise to look after it. And then she died."

[milk-from-the-hip]

A book? Of magic?

[blogging-cindy]

"Yes. It's exactly that. It has spells and rituals. And it was used for evil." Cindy hesitates. "But I'm--I want to--I did use it for good."

She twists her fingers together, searching for the right way to say the next part. "I thought...if I was going to be entrusted with something like that, something meant for darkness, I thought, at least I could try to use it to help more people instead. And I know I can do more, I can understand it more, if I learned more about it. And if I could learn about my mother and the town she grew up in" She lets out a small breath. "So I went and visited her town, Hatchetfield. And... " she swallows a lump in her throat. "There's--there's something about that town, Mr. David."

Her voice drops slightly, like even saying it out loud makes it feel more real. "I felt it the moment I stepped foot on their ground. There was something in the air, something in the energy around that place."

She shakes her head, trying to find the words. "You mentioned you're no stranger to the supernatural and I've encountered a few here myself. "But--there? Its different."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been to a magical school, I can't imagine it's much dissimilar.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy isn't sure if that's true, she hasn't experienced that school herself so she has no way of comparing. So she continues instead.

"Well, as you can imagine, things went to hell during that little visit. You know about the bus accident. And you know that me and my companion were attacked in the woods." Her fingers curl slightly in her lap. "But what I didn't mention was that they weren't human." the words come out of her mouth slowly. " I don't-- I don't really know what they were. But they have this power to pull you into an illusion, and not even just an illusion, you're able to feel everything. And when you're in a trance, they--they kill you."

She swallows, the memory still raw even now.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he hugs her*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy freezes in the hug, caught completely off guard. She's been hugged before, but this is different. This is a father hugging her, and it's something she's never had.

Something in her breaks open at the simple, unfamiliar weight of it, and before she can stop it, she's shaking, and crying, the kind she hasn't let herself do since that night in the woods.

"I'm--I'm sorry for breaking down like that. That was rude of me. " She apologizes once they pull back.

Cindy wipes her tears with her hand. "As you can see, that's why I've been so out of sorts," she says, quieter now, but steadier too. "Those...things killed my companion right in front of me, and I--I couldn't do anything. He did everything to protect me, but I couldn't even help him." She let's of a shuddered breath. "And when I tried to look up his family or loved ones, to tell them he's gone, I couldn't even do that for him either."

She falls quiet after that, something in her posture loosening, like she's set down a weight she's been carrying for far too long.

And There's nothing left to say.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want me to help you look? I deliver to a lot of people.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy shakes her head. "That's kind of you to offer. But "I already tried everything I could think of" she says. "I've called every number in his phone, searched every record I could find and there's nothing. It's like he never existed at all." Adjusting her posture, she wipes more tears from hears. "Letting me unload all that is already a huge help."

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want a week off?

[blogging-cindy]

"No. No, I don't." Cindy is quick to respond. "Honestly, I don't need it. I'm fine to deliver. I promise."

[milk-from-the-hip]

You can still have your pay, I just want to know you are ok.

[milk-from-the-hip]

[Cindy drives her moped over to the new street added to her route, parks, and takes her milk carrier before walking over to the door and knocking.] "Hello? Good morning. I've got your milk for you."

*David opens the door* Hello, Cindy. *he smiles warmly*

[blogging-cindy]

"Mr. David." Cindy's tone is surprised. "I'm--I'm sorry. Do I have the wrong address?" She excuses herself and checks the details on her phone. "No. I believe this is the right place."

[milk-from-the-hip]

This is the right address, one semi-skimmed- don't tell Peter. I wanted to talk with you, our last meeting got cut short. *he opens the door wider* Please, come in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy's grip tightens slightly around the handle of her milk carrier, her feet staying planted at the threshold a beat longer than necessary before she catches herself, not wanting to seem rude. She offers a small nod. "Of course, Mr. David. Thank you for having me," she says, and steps inside.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Would you like something to eat or drink? *he leads her to the living room*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy follows him into the living room, glancing around briefly before settling her attention back on him.

"I--thank you for offering, Mr. David." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. "But if I may ask, there was a reason you added your address to my round this week. Is something the matter?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I am worried about you, with what you've been through.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy goes still.

How could he possibly know what you've been through.

Ignoring the voice, she forces a smile. "I don't-- are you talking about the accident I got into last week?" She keeps her voice even. "You don't have to worry about that, I promise. It's all fine now. My wound even healed up."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I just want to check in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy knows he cares, and gratitude tangles with guilt in equal measure inside her. He's already given her so much, a second job, a place in his company, kindness she didn't ask for and isn't sure she's earned. The last thing she wants is to drag him into whatever happened to her back in Hatchetfield, and everything else that happened after that. Not after everything he's done for her. And especially not now, knowing he has a family to think about. She offers a small, practiced smile, the same one she's gotten good at holding steady. "That's very kind of you, Mr. David. But really, there's no need to worry. I'm doing fine."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I want honesty from you, Cindy. I'd rather help you than have someone unstable delivering milk for my company.

[blogging-cindy]

Oooohh. He hates you now. Cindy's caught off guard by David calling her unstable, it stings.

And for a moment, she's back in Angus's bakery, feeling as small as she always did whenever he talked to her.

She swallows against it, forcing her expression to stay even. "I'm not unstable, Mr. David," she says quietly, steadier than she feels. "I don't want to lie to you, not after everything you've done for me." A pause, her resolve wavering slightly. "I admit what happened to me--it's not easy to get over. But I'd never let that get in the way of my work. I promise I'm a professional."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I'd like to say I'm worried only for your performance, but I am worried for you personally too. I would like it if you allow me to help you.

[blogging-cindy]

"You've already helped me enough, Mr. David," Cindy responds, the tension she's feeling not easing but not as overwhelming as before. "And this is--well, if I tell you everything, the whole truth...you might end up thinking I've gone mad."

[milk-from-the-hip]

My son was on a sentient train known as the Silver Line, if that story doesn't seem mad I don't know what does.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy considers this for a moment. If Mr. David has had experience with the supernatural, on top of what happened with Peter and the potion, then maybe... she can trust him with this.

"I--" She wrings her fingers together. "I'm afraid it's a long story. If you've got time?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've got time, my son is doing all my deliveries today.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy takes a breath before starting.

"It started when I was a wee child, and my mum gave me a book. This book is... it's magic, or it has magic. I'm still learning about it myself. But it's a book that worships these eldritch beings."

She glances down at her hands, twisting them together in her lap. "My mum was a Waylon, her side of the family, they're disciples of these eldritch beings. When she was old enough, she ran away from home and moved to Scotland. But she took the book with her."

Cindy pauses, her throat tightening slightly. "And then she just gave it to me one day, made me promise to look after it. And then she died."

[milk-from-the-hip]

A book? Of magic?

[blogging-cindy]

"Yes. It's exactly that. It has spells and rituals. And it was used for evil." Cindy hesitates. "But I'm--I want to--I did use it for good."

She twists her fingers together, searching for the right way to say the next part. "I thought...if I was going to be entrusted with something like that, something meant for darkness, I thought, at least I could try to use it to help more people instead. And I know I can do more, I can understand it more, if I learned more about it. And if I could learn about my mother and the town she grew up in" She lets out a small breath. "So I went and visited her town, Hatchetfield. And... " she swallows a lump in her throat. "There's--there's something about that town, Mr. David."

Her voice drops slightly, like even saying it out loud makes it feel more real. "I felt it the moment I stepped foot on their ground. There was something in the air, something in the energy around that place."

She shakes her head, trying to find the words. "You mentioned you're no stranger to the supernatural and I've encountered a few here myself. "But--there? Its different."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been to a magical school, I can't imagine it's much dissimilar.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy isn't sure if that's true, she hasn't experienced that school herself so she has no way of comparing. So she continues instead.

"Well, as you can imagine, things went to hell during that little visit. You know about the bus accident. And you know that me and my companion were attacked in the woods." Her fingers curl slightly in her lap. "But what I didn't mention was that they weren't human." the words come out of her mouth slowly. " I don't-- I don't really know what they were. But they have this power to pull you into an illusion, and not even just an illusion, you're able to feel everything. And when you're in a trance, they--they kill you."

She swallows, the memory still raw even now.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he hugs her*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy freezes in the hug, caught completely off guard. She's been hugged before, but this is different. This is a father hugging her, and it's something she's never had.

Something in her breaks open at the simple, unfamiliar weight of it, and before she can stop it, she's shaking, and crying, the kind she hasn't let herself do since that night in the woods.

"I'm--I'm sorry for breaking down like that. That was rude of me. " She apologizes once they pull back.

Cindy wipes her tears with her hand. "As you can see, that's why I've been so out of sorts," she says, quieter now, but steadier too. "Those...things killed my companion right in front of me, and I--I couldn't do anything. He did everything to protect me, but I couldn't even help him." She let's of a shuddered breath. "And when I tried to look up his family or loved ones, to tell them he's gone, I couldn't even do that for him either."

She falls quiet after that, something in her posture loosening, like she's set down a weight she's been carrying for far too long.

And There's nothing left to say.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want me to help you look? I deliver to a lot of people.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy shakes her head. "That's kind of you to offer. But "I already tried everything I could think of" she says. "I've called every number in his phone, searched every record I could find and there's nothing. It's like he never existed at all." Adjusting her posture, she wipes more tears from hears. "Letting me unload all that is already a huge help."

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want a week off?

[milk-from-the-hip]

[Cindy drives her moped over to the new street added to her route, parks, and takes her milk carrier before walking over to the door and knocking.] "Hello? Good morning. I've got your milk for you."

*David opens the door* Hello, Cindy. *he smiles warmly*

[blogging-cindy]

"Mr. David." Cindy's tone is surprised. "I'm--I'm sorry. Do I have the wrong address?" She excuses herself and checks the details on her phone. "No. I believe this is the right place."

[milk-from-the-hip]

This is the right address, one semi-skimmed- don't tell Peter. I wanted to talk with you, our last meeting got cut short. *he opens the door wider* Please, come in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy's grip tightens slightly around the handle of her milk carrier, her feet staying planted at the threshold a beat longer than necessary before she catches herself, not wanting to seem rude. She offers a small nod. "Of course, Mr. David. Thank you for having me," she says, and steps inside.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Would you like something to eat or drink? *he leads her to the living room*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy follows him into the living room, glancing around briefly before settling her attention back on him.

"I--thank you for offering, Mr. David." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. "But if I may ask, there was a reason you added your address to my round this week. Is something the matter?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I am worried about you, with what you've been through.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy goes still.

How could he possibly know what you've been through.

Ignoring the voice, she forces a smile. "I don't-- are you talking about the accident I got into last week?" She keeps her voice even. "You don't have to worry about that, I promise. It's all fine now. My wound even healed up."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I just want to check in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy knows he cares, and gratitude tangles with guilt in equal measure inside her. He's already given her so much, a second job, a place in his company, kindness she didn't ask for and isn't sure she's earned. The last thing she wants is to drag him into whatever happened to her back in Hatchetfield, and everything else that happened after that. Not after everything he's done for her. And especially not now, knowing he has a family to think about. She offers a small, practiced smile, the same one she's gotten good at holding steady. "That's very kind of you, Mr. David. But really, there's no need to worry. I'm doing fine."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I want honesty from you, Cindy. I'd rather help you than have someone unstable delivering milk for my company.

[blogging-cindy]

Oooohh. He hates you now. Cindy's caught off guard by David calling her unstable, it stings.

And for a moment, she's back in Angus's bakery, feeling as small as she always did whenever he talked to her.

She swallows against it, forcing her expression to stay even. "I'm not unstable, Mr. David," she says quietly, steadier than she feels. "I don't want to lie to you, not after everything you've done for me." A pause, her resolve wavering slightly. "I admit what happened to me--it's not easy to get over. But I'd never let that get in the way of my work. I promise I'm a professional."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I'd like to say I'm worried only for your performance, but I am worried for you personally too. I would like it if you allow me to help you.

[blogging-cindy]

"You've already helped me enough, Mr. David," Cindy responds, the tension she's feeling not easing but not as overwhelming as before. "And this is--well, if I tell you everything, the whole truth...you might end up thinking I've gone mad."

[milk-from-the-hip]

My son was on a sentient train known as the Silver Line, if that story doesn't seem mad I don't know what does.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy considers this for a moment. If Mr. David has had experience with the supernatural, on top of what happened with Peter and the potion, then maybe... she can trust him with this.

"I--" She wrings her fingers together. "I'm afraid it's a long story. If you've got time?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've got time, my son is doing all my deliveries today.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy takes a breath before starting.

"It started when I was a wee child, and my mum gave me a book. This book is... it's magic, or it has magic. I'm still learning about it myself. But it's a book that worships these eldritch beings."

She glances down at her hands, twisting them together in her lap. "My mum was a Waylon, her side of the family, they're disciples of these eldritch beings. When she was old enough, she ran away from home and moved to Scotland. But she took the book with her."

Cindy pauses, her throat tightening slightly. "And then she just gave it to me one day, made me promise to look after it. And then she died."

[milk-from-the-hip]

A book? Of magic?

[blogging-cindy]

"Yes. It's exactly that. It has spells and rituals. And it was used for evil." Cindy hesitates. "But I'm--I want to--I did use it for good."

She twists her fingers together, searching for the right way to say the next part. "I thought...if I was going to be entrusted with something like that, something meant for darkness, I thought, at least I could try to use it to help more people instead. And I know I can do more, I can understand it more, if I learned more about it. And if I could learn about my mother and the town she grew up in" She lets out a small breath. "So I went and visited her town, Hatchetfield. And... " she swallows a lump in her throat. "There's--there's something about that town, Mr. David."

Her voice drops slightly, like even saying it out loud makes it feel more real. "I felt it the moment I stepped foot on their ground. There was something in the air, something in the energy around that place."

She shakes her head, trying to find the words. "You mentioned you're no stranger to the supernatural and I've encountered a few here myself. "But--there? Its different."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been to a magical school, I can't imagine it's much dissimilar.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy isn't sure if that's true, she hasn't experienced that school herself so she has no way of comparing. So she continues instead.

"Well, as you can imagine, things went to hell during that little visit. You know about the bus accident. And you know that me and my companion were attacked in the woods." Her fingers curl slightly in her lap. "But what I didn't mention was that they weren't human." the words come out of her mouth slowly. " I don't-- I don't really know what they were. But they have this power to pull you into an illusion, and not even just an illusion, you're able to feel everything. And when you're in a trance, they--they kill you."

She swallows, the memory still raw even now.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he hugs her*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy freezes in the hug, caught completely off guard. She's been hugged before, but this is different. This is a father hugging her, and it's something she's never had.

Something in her breaks open at the simple, unfamiliar weight of it, and before she can stop it, she's shaking, and crying, the kind she hasn't let herself do since that night in the woods.

"I'm--I'm sorry for breaking down like that. That was rude of me. " She apologizes once they pull back.

Cindy wipes her tears with her hand. "As you can see, that's why I've been so out of sorts," she says, quieter now, but steadier too. "Those...things killed my companion right in front of me, and I--I couldn't do anything. He did everything to protect me, but I couldn't even help him." She let's of a shuddered breath. "And when I tried to look up his family or loved ones, to tell them he's gone, I couldn't even do that for him either."

She falls quiet after that, something in her posture loosening, like she's set down a weight she's been carrying for far too long.

And There's nothing left to say.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Do you want me to help you look? I deliver to a lot of people.

[milk-from-the-hip]

[Cindy drives her moped over to the new street added to her route, parks, and takes her milk carrier before walking over to the door and knocking.] "Hello? Good morning. I've got your milk for you."

*David opens the door* Hello, Cindy. *he smiles warmly*

[blogging-cindy]

"Mr. David." Cindy's tone is surprised. "I'm--I'm sorry. Do I have the wrong address?" She excuses herself and checks the details on her phone. "No. I believe this is the right place."

[milk-from-the-hip]

This is the right address, one semi-skimmed- don't tell Peter. I wanted to talk with you, our last meeting got cut short. *he opens the door wider* Please, come in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy's grip tightens slightly around the handle of her milk carrier, her feet staying planted at the threshold a beat longer than necessary before she catches herself, not wanting to seem rude. She offers a small nod. "Of course, Mr. David. Thank you for having me," she says, and steps inside.

[milk-from-the-hip]

Would you like something to eat or drink? *he leads her to the living room*

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy follows him into the living room, glancing around briefly before settling her attention back on him.

"I--thank you for offering, Mr. David." She pauses, choosing her next words carefully. "But if I may ask, there was a reason you added your address to my round this week. Is something the matter?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I am worried about you, with what you've been through.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy goes still.

How could he possibly know what you've been through.

Ignoring the voice, she forces a smile. "I don't-- are you talking about the accident I got into last week?" She keeps her voice even. "You don't have to worry about that, I promise. It's all fine now. My wound even healed up."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I just want to check in.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy knows he cares, and gratitude tangles with guilt in equal measure inside her. He's already given her so much, a second job, a place in his company, kindness she didn't ask for and isn't sure she's earned. The last thing she wants is to drag him into whatever happened to her back in Hatchetfield, and everything else that happened after that. Not after everything he's done for her. And especially not now, knowing he has a family to think about. She offers a small, practiced smile, the same one she's gotten good at holding steady. "That's very kind of you, Mr. David. But really, there's no need to worry. I'm doing fine."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I want honesty from you, Cindy. I'd rather help you than have someone unstable delivering milk for my company.

[blogging-cindy]

Oooohh. He hates you now. Cindy's caught off guard by David calling her unstable, it stings.

And for a moment, she's back in Angus's bakery, feeling as small as she always did whenever he talked to her.

She swallows against it, forcing her expression to stay even. "I'm not unstable, Mr. David," she says quietly, steadier than she feels. "I don't want to lie to you, not after everything you've done for me." A pause, her resolve wavering slightly. "I admit what happened to me--it's not easy to get over. But I'd never let that get in the way of my work. I promise I'm a professional."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I'd like to say I'm worried only for your performance, but I am worried for you personally too. I would like it if you allow me to help you.

[blogging-cindy]

"You've already helped me enough, Mr. David," Cindy responds, the tension she's feeling not easing but not as overwhelming as before. "And this is--well, if I tell you everything, the whole truth...you might end up thinking I've gone mad."

[milk-from-the-hip]

My son was on a sentient train known as the Silver Line, if that story doesn't seem mad I don't know what does.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy considers this for a moment. If Mr. David has had experience with the supernatural, on top of what happened with Peter and the potion, then maybe... she can trust him with this.

"I--" She wrings her fingers together. "I'm afraid it's a long story. If you've got time?"

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've got time, my son is doing all my deliveries today.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy takes a breath before starting.

"It started when I was a wee child, and my mum gave me a book. This book is... it's magic, or it has magic. I'm still learning about it myself. But it's a book that worships these eldritch beings."

She glances down at her hands, twisting them together in her lap. "My mum was a Waylon, her side of the family, they're disciples of these eldritch beings. When she was old enough, she ran away from home and moved to Scotland. But she took the book with her."

Cindy pauses, her throat tightening slightly. "And then she just gave it to me one day, made me promise to look after it. And then she died."

[milk-from-the-hip]

A book? Of magic?

[blogging-cindy]

"Yes. It's exactly that. It has spells and rituals. And it was used for evil." Cindy hesitates. "But I'm--I want to--I did use it for good."

She twists her fingers together, searching for the right way to say the next part. "I thought...if I was going to be entrusted with something like that, something meant for darkness, I thought, at least I could try to use it to help more people instead. And I know I can do more, I can understand it more, if I learned more about it. And if I could learn about my mother and the town she grew up in" She lets out a small breath. "So I went and visited her town, Hatchetfield. And... " she swallows a lump in her throat. "There's--there's something about that town, Mr. David."

Her voice drops slightly, like even saying it out loud makes it feel more real. "I felt it the moment I stepped foot on their ground. There was something in the air, something in the energy around that place."

She shakes her head, trying to find the words. "You mentioned you're no stranger to the supernatural and I've encountered a few here myself. "But--there? Its different."

[milk-from-the-hip]

I've been to a magical school, I can't imagine it's much dissimilar.

[blogging-cindy]

Cindy isn't sure if that's true, she hasn't experienced that school herself so she has no way of comparing. So she continues instead.

"Well, as you can imagine, things went to hell during that little visit. You know about the bus accident. And you know that me and my companion were attacked in the woods." Her fingers curl slightly in her lap. "But what I didn't mention was that they weren't human." the words come out of her mouth slowly. " I don't-- I don't really know what they were. But they have this power to pull you into an illusion, and not even just an illusion, you're able to feel everything. And when you're in a trance, they--they kill you."

She swallows, the memory still raw even now.

[milk-from-the-hip]

*he hugs her*