The smog had descended onto the city from early morning, turning the already forgotten pale blue sky into a swirl of dark grey hues. The air was warm, summer was close by and the heat helped slightly with the cough. Cobblestone roads stretched out, buildings on either side, people rushing, going about their day. It was a slow week at the Institute, something that he considered in passing, not wanting to say out loud so as not to invite bad luck where there had been too many already.
Jem walked slowly, eyes travelling across the street sellers and the little shops that were open everywhere. His body felt fatigued, but there wasn’t much to be done there, no amount of tonics, sleep or good hearty meals would change that. It was something he had grown used to, the illness was now part of him, and the life before it, was shrouded in memories he couldn’t allow himself to think about, not right now, in the light of day.
A small sign caught his attention as the main street branched out, with smaller, narrower alleys appearing on either side. It was a barbershop, and his silver hair had reached his shoulders almost, it was time to cut it. Too often he would wake up, strands of hair stuck to his face and neck, sweat drenching the sheets.
The place was familiar, and he pondered why as he walked towards it, steps purposeful. And then it came to him as he arrived in front of the entrance. It was owned by Downworlders, one of the establishments that the Institute was aware of and kept track of from a distance. Without a second glance around, or an additional thought as if to question himself, he pushed the door open and walked in. “ Hello. ” There was a polite smile gracing his features and he did not bother looking at his reflection in any of the mirrors. “ I need to cut my hair. Hopefully, you can help me with that. ”
@bottledmoonlight a little plotted started for Thomas & Jem
