It has been a little over a month since she became Miss AllSunday. And unlike the “devil-child”, Vise President of Baroque Works was not chased by the marines, she also had a permanent place to live, eat and sleep, she had money not only to survive, but to buy herself something nice here and there. Casino staff has been respectful and surprisingly welcoming to their new manager. It seemed like she finally had what she desired for most of her life.
Except, it wasn’t permanent. It was never permanent. And nightmares of the approaching future were haunting her every other night. Accompanied by the silhouettes of people she lost forever.
One night it was particularly horrifying, as she woke up trembling in her room at the Rain Base. The desert nights are cold, and unlike winter islands she visited, they never offered this cozy feeling of staying inside. Instead, it felt like there is nowhere to go. Maybe lower rooms should be warmer?
She made her way to the office, there was a sofa she frequented during her meetings with Mr. O. It was expensive, with embroidery on the cushions and also pleasantly soft.
As she made her way down the stairs, the familiar scribble of a fountain pan started joined the usual underwater ambient. He was working late. Even more late than usual.
She acknowledges him with a nod, he stops his writing for a moment, eyeing her, as she settles down on a slightly cold fabric. Miss AllSunday lays down, closes her eyes, taking notice to how she now hears bananawanis swimming behind the thick glass and how sound of pen on paper is there again.
Almost falling asleep, she feels how a heavy coat is put on her. It smells like cigars, traces of his cologne and it is warm. Feeling of comfort washes over her, if she wouldn’t be so tired, she would shake it off instantly. It is not going to last after all.
She wakes up in a now empty office, Mr. 0 is gone, so is his coat. The things are as they should be.
- Miss AllSunday, breakfast is served
The butler seems to appear out of thin air, she smiles and assures him, that she is coming. She glances at he desk one time before climbing the stairs.
Maybe, after all is done, she will miss it
