#anywhere

*****

"I can't tell you how happy I was when Hope suggested you for help at our community center" Krissa Velmont says "And you've worked with kids before"

"Yes, I was an activities director for the Kansas City Metroparks and I'm on my last semester getting my Art Ed degree...."

"Well, your art work samples are beautiful. You could probably teach more advanced classes yourself, but Hope says you prefer children to teach and occupy?"

Hope took into account the Liam's tendency to draw mortal attention as an Autumn sidhee

"I don't mind teaching older students, but I do prefer kids."

"Maybe... oh, maybe one for seniors?"

"Oh, now that's kind of you. " She says "Between you and me, Fort Davis hasn't really been focused on Masking and other precautions and it, understandably, scares some teachers and volunteers off. I'd be lying to say there wasn't a danger to you here. Even if you do wear a mask during it"

Of course changelings have means of banishing the virus etc that mortals often don't

"Well, yes... I'll need to mask, all that... but it has been such a long year..."

"It has, goodness the kids are...well, everyone is experiencing upticks in depression and anxiety. Even our introverted kids are squirming...and, excuse me a moment" SHe says.. for one of the other workers at the center is motioning from the corner

Julia nods and laces her hands together to wait... while trying to eavesdrop.

And she does. She's no boggan, but being around them has taught her how to look occupied while actually snooping. Delores was a master of it, and Hope's no slouch

"You know who that is?" a whisper

"Well, yes, she's the new applicant for the kids art program. A godsend" Says Krissa

"She's that rich bitch widow of that jerk ... the one who bullied the town with his money foryears before he died" The other woman says in a soto voice

Krissa isn't having any of it "Ladonna, please slow your roll. We don't know her well enough to call her that, and frankly? I don't care if she's ignorant of what an ass her husband was, or is trying to make amends, or even is just trying to look better for the public. SHe's got time, she's got the skills, and we are desperate to find someone who is willing to take what we have to offer which is not much" a hurmph "And you're going to feel like a bitch yourself if it turns out she's as nice as she seems. And Hope is a good source"

A squinty-eye "smile" from behind her mask and a little wave when they look over.

Ladonna plasters ona fake smile quick. Krissa's is far more genuine, if anything she's embarrassed by Ladonna and whispers to her co worker "You'll excuse me. I can't afford a high horse right now, and neither can you so I'm going to ride my little ass over there and THANK the young lady and if she's interested, hire her"

And Krissa joins over "Sorry about that, Julia. Shortage of milk in our supplies'

A little brow furrow. "You need snacks or things for the kids?"

"No we're good. I mean yes we always can, but the milk is being seen to now.." She says "I have to be blunt regarding our finances, we won't be able to pay you much at all. Certainly not what your efforts will be worth. "

"Well, I don't really need the money." She blushes. "Sorry. But it's true. I've never been in this position before."

"But I can't be holed up by myself, doing nothing either. I want to be part of the community, you know?"

"I can see why Hope suggested you, part of the community is one area we can help you get involved in" Krissa smiles "Well, the job is yours . Hope said you had family with odd medical needs so we'll understand if you need to skip a day now or then. Shall I show you where you'll be working with the kids, and then the paper work?"

"Sounds great. I might bring my.. hm.. step niece? Niece niece? I'm not sure how it works, quite... but I might bring Grete along with me, if that's okay? She's eight."

"Of course, any children you bring are more than welcome. We hope to get that community thing going for all"

"Wonderful!" Another eye-crinkle. Just imagine what her smile looks like...

A smile is returned and the room where she'll be working with the kids is shown, the paper work straight forward. Turns out Krissa is a nice lady, just a bit over worked. Which seems to be a trend for the women of Fort Davis

Sparrow shows appropriate enthusiasm!

And that is how Sparrow ended up working with groups of 6 to 8 kids (Plus any childlings who joined in) every other day or so.

Just who comes with may vary - maybe who needs some extra attention.

That's when she meets JR. And his worried father. JR has autism, ,and his lower class father is hoping that welll "I'm .. he likes colors. I am hoping.. you know? They tell me this place isn't qualified to special needs that may arise but I'm welcome to try, but..." Mister Dickerson sighs "I thought I should warn you"

Julia crouches so JR can get a good look. "Hi there, JR. I'm Julia, nice to meet you."

The boy seems to stare into space almost looking through her, through the wall

"Please don't take it personally" Mr. Dickerson says . Clearly some folks do "Sometimes he just grabs things and starts up"

"Well, let's try some colors!" She sets up a tray with tempera paint and a big piece of newsprint.

The boy looks over the colors, then, tilts his head and plucks forth a red.

She gently guides his hand to the paper, and releases.

At the contact, he actually looks at her, staring at her intently, and then he begins to paint

"Hey, that's interesting, he actually noticed you" His father says then frowns "I'm sorry ,I have to go to work. Are.. are you okay with him?"

"We should be fine!" Sunshine.

Julia sits on the floor with her own paint and paper, making color patterns with her fingertips.

"THanks" Then man says and departs.

JR paints! making color patterns too..

Sparrow hums a bit as they work, letting JR play.

And slowly odd red strands turn into more elaborate swoops. It looks a bit like hair

"Lookin' good, JR."

He looks focused, and keeps painting.. until the angel with the red hair... comes into view sort of

"Well, that is very good. Nice work."