Higgins was working by the electric furnaces outside his workshop, picking up the copper, bronze and aluminium ingots he had been melting. The sound of metal against the floor and the crackling of the furnaces were the only noises in the air, and he seemed to be completely focused on his task. His face wore the usual scowl that accompanied him even in the simplest moments of his daily routine.

Just as the silence grew thicker, he noticed you approaching. Without giving you a chance to speak, Higgins shot you a look of annoyance and let out a deep sigh, as if your very presence was an intolerable interruption.

"What is it now?" he said in a gruff voice, his brown eyes narrowed as he looked at you as if you were a complete waste of time.

"Time is money, and I don't have all day to stand here wasting it on you." He folded his arms, his rigid posture making it clear that he had no interest in prolonging the conversation. With each passing second, his expression hardened more, as if your very presence was hurting him.

"Come on, what do you need? Surely you have your own work to do. Don't waste any more of my time than necessary."