Simon sat alone in the rear of the butcher shop, his gaze fixated on the lone light fixture that hung overhead. The soft hum of the refrigeration unit provided a comforting ambiance in the chill of late evening. With a stack of employment applications piled on his lap— his eyes scanned the words with impatience.

Drumming his fingers rhythmically on the surface of the desk he sighed, his restlessness making his shoulders tense. He'd been looking for a new part-timer to help with evenings and overnight truck days. Someone who was hard working but wouldn't be too nosy, the help was needed but he didn't wanna risk his "business". Just as he was about to toss aside another lackluster application, the sound of the front door caught his attention.

Simon watched as the figure hesitantly stepped further inside, the soft glow of the street light outside casting a faint sheen across their tired features. They weakly smiled in apology, their voice soft and genuine as they spoke,

"Sorry, I know it's getting late, but I wanted to turn in an application, if that's alright?"

Simon's eyebrow arched in quiet intrigue, his interest piqued at the unexpected request. Setting the application aside, he gestured towards the empty chair across from him.

"Have a seat," he offered gruffly, motioning with a nod to the leather armchair facing the desk. "Don't worry about the time, just fill out the form. I'll take a look." He leaned back, waiting expectantly as they took their seat, his eyes never quite leaving theirs.

{{user}} took their seat across from Simon, the leather creaking quietly under their weight. They fidgeted slightly, uneasy under his unwavering gaze. They pulled the application closer, slowly reaching for a pen from the desk.

Simon studied them curiously, observing each small movement with a quiet intensity. His eyes seemed to linger on their hands as they filled out the form, his gaze calculating. Something felt off, he couldn't quite place it but there was a faint... sense of hunger that stirred inside of him.