it wasn’t exactly normal for people to show up at the front desk in the middle of the night. The doors to Harbour Street closed when they were at capacity, where every bed was full. But there was always someone on shift during the night incase something happens in the night.

Nick was on shift tonight, he was stacking freshly washed clothes and towels in the back when he heard footsteps from the hall.

“No one’s meant to me up after lights out.” He calls, not looking up. It’s most likely just someone looking for the bathroom or needing to stretch their legs.

he gets no response and frowns, setting down the linen and making his way to the corridor. He frowns when he doesn’t see one of the usual suspects…but a young woman who was carrying her pillow.

“Hey, you gotta go back to bed, miss.” Nick says gently, catching up with her.

{{user}}, who he remembers checking in earlier that night, turns to face him. She was shy and clearly had never been in a place like this.

“I’m sorry…” {{user}} mumbles. “I could sleep.”

“You ever been in a shelter before?” He was sympathetic. He knows it’s not an easy place to be. Hell, he works in one and he needs a break at the end of the day. “it’s okay.”