#scarsdale

"Heh."

"I am glad he's safe. Even if I did try to get him killed for swallowing you."

"Heh heh!" He chuckles into his tea.

She smiles to herself, content.

He goes to check the glue, nods. He picks up the tack hammer and puts a few nails in his mouth.

Zara settles in to shadow - the friendly neighborhood shop-ghost and tool-hander, until it is time to go home.

Slowly, the presentation box comes together under the skillful hands of a Master.

Hirim gets a little peck on the cheek. "Tis beautiful."

"Eh. Done better but it'll do."

"Aye. Go home, Ratchet gets bored. He gets bored, he hangs things on the walls."

"Oy, I know....Fine." He gets up, finds his stick. "You, going home? Date with that blue boychik?"

"Bike ride, then home."

"Oh yeah. Him." Slightly sour, but he shrugs. "Ok. See you Friday."

Pokes his arm. "Tomorrow. But definitely shabbos, yes."

"Ow." He whines and rubs his arm, over-exaggerating ridiculously.

"Your rheumatism, oy, I know, I know! A shanda!"

He puffs a chuckle and grabs her, pulling her in to kiss her forehead. "There. Go break your head open on the street so your mothers can die of grief. I'll sit shiva for you. Go on, get out of my shop. I gotta lock up."

A grin, flashing gums. "Love you, Hehe!" And she's out on her way, off to catch her death on a motorcycle...

He sighs, watching her go.... a cloud passes over his eyes for a moment but he shrugs it off, locks up, and limps home.

(Fin)