#scarsdale

It seems both girls.... ladies... have similar taste in literature but Miriam might also favor a more technical side to things.

Yup - steam punk. Victoriana AND tech...

She reads the back of the books voraciously, and asks questions; some of them, Zara can't answer. Those books almost always go in the 'take' pile.

Miriam seems engaged and enthused! Zara will be supportive!

Zara's support is Super Effective!

Huzzah!

It always happens this way; too many books to carry, the stack starts to slide... it's a sign they're done.

Zara, at least, seems quick on her feet - able to juggle the books and the not-nocker as they head back to the check-out desk.

Ratchet appears, and helps, clucking over Zara's literary habit.

"Just a few this week." a crooked grin.

"Just a few, just a few...." He tuts..

Zara deftly scans her card and the books at the self-check kiosk...

Miriam, standing back, watches.

Zara is blase about it - after all, this is normal. The due date receipt is printed out and tucked inside one of the books in the stack.

Then, they are ready to leave.

Miriam does look tired, worn. Ratchet offers to take the books (muttering).

"Maybe we can have a little to eat and then some down time once we get back?" Ratcet can have the books - Miriam again getting an arm for support if needed.

Miriam hesitates, but then takes it. "Yeah. I think I'd like to lie down, though. Rest."

"Well, sure. Shabbos."

"Ok." And Miriam seems to focus on walking, left-right-left, back to the houes.

House

Zara bites on her lower lip, keeping the worry and guilt mostly tamped down - though Ratchet might spot it.

"Zara, help Miriam up?" He sets the books down and hands her Miriam's share.

"Yes, Onkl. Thank you..." books taken, up the stairs...

Miriam doesn't exactly dive into bed but -is- tucked up in short order.

Books stacked on the bedside table. A glass of water poured from the pitcher.

"Thanks. I'm fine. Just.... was there something wrong with that picture of the city skyline?"

"No? It's how it always looks..."

"Ok." She settles in. "Thanks, Zara."

"You're welcome, Miriam. Get some rest, hm?" A hesitation, and then she reaches out to brush the woman's curly bangs from her forehead.

"Mmm... don't fuss. Bad as those two old men." She mutters a complain but without venom; it looks like she might actually slip off to sleep.

"Sorry. They are my family, yes? Must be guilty."

"Mmph."

"At least I am not ladling boiled broth down your throat. Promise."

She puffs a laugh. "Try it."

"Nope! Not taunting any dragons! Let Hehe do that one!"

"He... he?" Tired.

"Hirim."

"He-he......"

"When I was little, I had trouble with the name. So Uncle Hehe. But oh - he'd take me with him to the workshop, and I had my own little table where I could work...."

She grins a little, eyes drifting shut. "Sounds nice. Good family."

"Very good family. I'm lucky. I love them very much..."

"Lucky...."

"Yes, lucky. To be here, be safe, be loved. They love you too, hm?"

"Good family. Mishpocha."

"Guess they must. Just a stranger to them really...."

"So we learn each another now. It will be okay. "

She's quiet a long moment, struggling to keep her eyes open.

"Still... strange."

"The world is oft so."