Jon peered around the corner, followed closely by the askers. Scanning the back of the store, he finally noticed the figure crouched against the far wall. As he floated nearer, he could make out soft muttering, they appeared to be talking to themselves. “No, no come on… I’m fine, we- I’m okay, just… come on, please…”
“Um, hello?”
The man’s head snapped up, and Jon took note of his wide, dulled gray eyes before he looked back down at his mottled hoodie. He didn’t respond further, so Jon continued, “Er… are you alright?”
He was silent for a moment, before responding, “Yes.” His voice was low, but oddly familiar; the accent sounded slightly warped and strange.
“Oh alright! Sorry to disturb you, just wanted to make sure I didn’t startle you or anything… it’s Tedd, right?”
He seemed surprised at this, and took a moment before replying, “Er… yeah.”
“I’m Jon, nice to meet you!” The ghost floated a little nearer, obviously happy Tedd no longer seemed so distressed. “I don’t suppose you live in Durdan Lane up the street?”
“Um, yeah actually, I do.” Tedd pushed himself up from the floor, leaning against the wall now.
“I do too! Sorry, I kind of assumed, seeing as you weren’t exactly freaking out talking to a ghost or whatever, haha…”
“N-no, that’s fine! Yeah, um, I moved in pretty recently?”
“Cool! That explains why I haven’t seen you before I guess.” Jon glanced back towards the front of the store, but didn't see any immediate sign of his friends. “Do you want to head back with me? I think Eddie and Mark already left.”
“Oh, uh… sure?”
Jon joined Tedd’s party.
