#Rent Tables and Chairs in Toronto

[tentbuddies]

Tent Buddies: A Valuable Choice to Hire a Rental Outdoor Tents in Toronto : -

Selecting a luxurious Tent Rental Brampton for your celebration or wedding gives your big day a dash of elegance and charm. Couples are selecting this sophisticated trend for their festivities for a variety of reasons, including the gorgeous tent designs and customizable options available. The combination of experienced setup and décor skills with the attraction of high-end facilities and services boosts the overall mood and leaves a lasting impression on all guests. 

Luxury tent rentals are a great option for discriminating couples wishing to enhance their wedding and event experience because of one more feature that makes them stand out. Our rental tents at Tent Buddies are made to perfectly fit in with the surroundings, giving your party a breathtaking background. 

Key Advantages of Hire a Rental Tent : -

You may host your wedding in any outdoor location of your choice with Tent Rental near me. These tents can turn any outdoor location into an elegant setting, whether you want to exchange vows on a sandy beach, in a verdant garden, or by a gorgeous vineyard. You may design an unforgettable wedding and event experience that embodies your sense of style and individuality by working with a competent tent rental company. 

With tents, you can personalize every element of your event, unlike with standard interior locations. You have total control over the appearance and atmosphere of your big day, from the design and décor to the flooring and lighting.  The following are the main benefits of selecting a tent rental service:

Extensive Range of Tents : -

Our Tent Rental Brampton at Tent Buddies provides a wide range of tents in different sizes, designs, and features. Depending on the size and requirements of your event, you may select from a variety of options, including large marquees and simple pop-up tents.

Easy Assembly and Dismantling : -

It might take a lot of effort and time to set up a big tent. Everything is taken care of by rental services, including delivery, installation, breakdown, and removal. This allows you to concentrate on other areas of event preparation.

Professional Advice : -

They possess the expertise and understanding to assist you in selecting the ideal Tent Rental near me for your location and kind of event. Your inquiries concerning size, anchoring, and any other things you could want can be addressed by them. 

More than Just Tents : -

A lot of rental companies provide extra equipment to complement your tent, including tables, chairs, lighting, flooring, and heating or cooling systems. This one-stop shop approach simplifies event planning and logistics.

Find the Best Service Provider of Outdoor Tents in Toronto : -

During warmer weather, an Outdoor Tents Toronto is the best option for keeping insects out. However, you may have your party year-round with a tent. Ask your party rental provider about adding portable heaters to your tent hire so that guests may stay warm throughout your autumn or winter celebration. 

You can avoid worrying about bad weather that might force you to shift your party indoors when you rent a tent for your outdoor celebration. Tent Buddies offers you a canopy or a tent that can withstand a variety of weather situations. Our outdoor tents are supported by metal poles and have a cover made of vinyl or another type of fabric without partitions. Here are some key reasons to opt for outdoor tents:

Weather Protection : -

An essential barrier against the weather is offered by Outdoor Tents Toronto. Rain or shine, they may provide protection for your visitors from the elements, including strong sunshine, rain, and even unforeseen wind.

Flexible Event Area : -

Tents provide an open canvas for designing a special event area. To fit your concept and create the right mood, you may alter them with furniture, lighting, and decorations. 

More Flexibility : -

Because tents are available in many sizes, you may easily host any number of people. They can also be adjusted to create discrete zones for dining, dancing, or gathering within the main event space. 

[the-fiction-witch]

Relax

Media The Queens Gambit 

Character Benny Watts

Couple Benny X Reader

Rating Smut

Concept Helping to Relax

Smut BJ

I sat on the ottoman with my head in my copy of the Toronto primary tournament games last year, I glanced across the apartment seeing the familiar sight. Benny sat in his brown leather chair deep in his reading. He was aggravated. Barefoot, in his dark blue jeans and black shirt. His usual chains and rings across him as always. His hair was a little messy where he had been fixing it in his stress. I felt awful for him, my poor benny. He doesn't much like change, he likes to plan things out, probably part of his chess brain. But yesterday morning we received news from the chess federation that the championship tournament that was supposed to be being held Austin was now last minute being moved to Vegas. Meaning, travel, hotels, food, even laundry for packing needed to be changed in one week. On top of rent being due while Benny is in an all out battle with our landlord because he refused to fix the hot water for the last month. And just to add additional spice to the soup of this week the car got towed. I assume due to the parking tickets benny was refusing to pay don't the grounds that our landlord claims that's a parking space outside the apartment . So I can imagine he wasn't particularly happy and rather stressed but it's understandable. He sat his paperwork down and rubbed his eyes trying his best to get his head straight.

"You okay?"

"Umm? Oh. Fine" he grumbled "sorry hun I'm just a bit.."

"It's alright benny" I smiled putting my book down going over and crawling into his lap giving him a cuddle "is there anyway I can help?"

"No. I'll be fine. Sorry for being a dick"

"It's alright I know what your like when your stressed it's okay" I smiled giving his cheek a kiss "you sure there's nothing I can do to help?"

"I'm sure"

"Coffee?"

"No that'll just keep me up and I'm already tried hun"

"Soup?"

"Ummm not that hungry." He shurgs

"Would you like me to run you a hot bath?'

"Hot water still isn't working remember"

"Oh yeah. Would you like me to run you a cold bath?"

"No thank you y/n."

"Okay, does cuddle help or would you like me to go away?"

"The cuddle helps. You always help" he smiled wrapping his arms around me giving me a tight squeeze

"Ummm I love you" I smiled nuzzling into his chest

"Love you too" he says cracking a smile and giving my forehead a kiss

"I'm sorry your so stressed"

"Not your fault, is it?"

"I know but -"

"Trust me. You my sweet are far more help them you know" he says

"You sure there isn't anything I can do to help make you feel better?"

"No it's okay"

"You sure?"

"I'm sure"

"...what if I?" I smiled trying not to blush he pushed me back a little so he could see my face giving me a questionable look

"If you what?"

"If I?" I smirked glancing down at the belt on his jeans for a moment he had no reaction as he often didn't on the few times I did stuff like this he just sort of sat there vacantly I always called it Benny's reboot as it was as if his brain was buffering, before then giving me a confused but inquisitive look

"Really?"

I nodded

"Really?"

"If it would make you feel better?"

"Well… it might" he smirked

"Okay" I smiled moving off the chair grabbing one of my hair ties from the table and tying my hair up in a bun so it was all out of my face

And when I looked back he had already egarly tugged his jeans away enough to reveal his half hard erection in his boxers slowly getting harder. I giggled a little and moved a cushion from the makeshift sofa to the floor, kneeling on it between his legs. I seductively moved my hands up his legs to the waistband of his boxers tugging them down quickly exposing him making him hiss from the sudden temperature change I ran my hand slowly across his sharft feeling it harden against my hand

"Just relax. I'll take care of you" I smiled gently taking him into my mouth slowly starting to run my tongue across him, slowly moving my head, and slowly sucking all of which made him melot into the chair rolling his head back as he completely let himself go and relaxed utterly into what I was doing to him, the only sound to leave his lips quiet mutterings and groans he was unable to stop I made sure not to overwhelm him but slowly increasing my speed so the change was almost un noticeable

"fuck... your so good to me y/n" he groans

I continued slowly getting faster and more intense until he suddenly grabbed my shoulder and pulled me closer finishing quickly I smirked and swallowed licking him clean and moving to my feet wiping my mouth and fixing his boxers and jeans

"That help?" I asked

"Umm very much y/n"

"relaxed?"

"yes, thank you very much" he smirked tugging me down to cuddle with him "I love you so much"

"I love you too"

"Don't I get a kiss?" he pouts

"I just sucked your dick?"

"Good point"

[supremepartyrentals]

Leave Your Guests Spellbound With Glowing Decor Pieces

Supreme Party Rentals is an ultimate destination for mesmerizing LED furniture rental and captivating glow furniture for rent in Toronto. Our vast collection of cutting-edge LED furniture is guaranteed to leave your guests spellbound, creating an enchanting ambiance for any event. Whether it's a corporate gala or a private celebration, our top-notch LED furniture for rent in Toronto will elevate your gathering to a whole new level. With a wide range of glowing options available, including tables, chairs, and decor, we ensure an unforgettable experience for your guests. Choose Supreme Party Rentals for an extraordinary event that sparkles with LED brilliance and captivating glow furniture, setting a dazzling stage for memories that will last a lifetime.

[if-you-fan-a-fire]

"OFFICER HAS SHINS BARKED AS WOMEN FIGHT EVICTION," Toronto Star. May 15, 1934. Page 1 & 2. --- Furniture Snatched From Bailiff's Men as Fast as Picked Up --- MEN STAY ALOOF ---- Screaming at bailiffs officers as they attempted to load her furniture and belongings on a truck after they had removed them from her rented house on Erant St. this morning, the woman of the house snatched chairs and other household articles out of the hands of the men as fast as they picked them up and finally won her point.

At the same time a neighbor, with a child in her arms and a go-cart, had a run-in with one of the police plainclothesmen who were attempting to keep order. She was removed to a distance from the house only after she had bashed the carriage against the officer's shins several times and repeatedly called in vain upon a score or more of men standing by to stop the bailiffs.

When the bailiffs arrived at the house this morning, armed with an eviction order because of the alleged non-payment of rent, amounting to $12, the interior was occupied by some 30 men. In one window was a crudely-printed sign: "Bailiffs keep out. Danger. In another window a sign proclaimed that the house was "protected by the Ward Four Protective Association."

One police constable on duty called for assistance and on the arrival of a sergeant and a detail of six men, the crowd filed out of the house. The bailiffs then removed the belongings to the side lot. but the occupants, husband and wife, protested against the furniture being placed in the trucks, presumably for movement to storage until another house could be rented by the couple.

The bailiff's men said they could not leave the small pile of beds, bed- ding, chairs, tables, etc., on the pro- into and proceeded to load them truck. Mrs. Stewart took them out as fast as they were put in and grabbed various articles out of the men's hands.

While the bailiff's officers and Mrs. Stewart continued their game of "put and take," a neighbor came forward to offer the use of her back- yard to keep the furniture in until they were ready to move. Ready hands, including those of the bailiff's officers, quickly transferred the goods to the yard.

The tenant told The Star the welfare department had paid his rent last month but he had not yet received his cheque for this month. He had been unemployed for two years. he said. He claimed to have suffered severe concussion in an accident while working for a paving company on a city contract in 1931. "The compensation board paid me for a year and then they said I was all right," he said. "I am not all right. Never a day passes that I am not in pain. My head hurts. I have tried to do relief work but I am not fit for it. I can't stand it. I should have a compensation pension."

[automationsfascinations]

My optimum porn party

Theme: Porn viewing technology

Location:

Toronto, Montreal, NYC , etc.

Equipment:

VR with 17" 120hz laptop and Somnium VR1 headset

3 LG Gram 16" OLED 2880x1800 laptops or screens with HDR OLED and RTX GPU for HDR

Good portable speaker

Light projector thing (use red light)

Portable projector

Portable table

Portable camping chair

Room setup:

Corner room with room next to it rented as well.

VR laptop on the coffee table with headset in the corner to avoid collisions.

Main control laptop on other side of coffee table, which controls main TV, defaults to discord stream.

2 laptops beside main TV

Content:

Library of best quality VR porn I can find, AI upscaled to 8k120 if possible

Best 4K porn I can find, AI upscaled to 60 FPS

Best 60 FPS porn I can find, AI upscaled to 120 FPS

Best PMVs I can find for the center TV

Amenities

CBD weed

Niacin

Water bottles

Coconut oil

Food trays

Rules

Red, yellow, green wristbands

Straight/trans porn only

Sites that release videos in 60 fps that I'm aware of:

5kporn GloryHoleSecrets

WowGirls

Exploited College Girls

Tiny4k/Exotic4k

Mark's Headbobbers and Handjobbers

POVD

Kinpatu86

Caribbeancom

Dogfart Network 

I can't wait to show off videos. I can't wait to make some unreal AI upscaled videos up to 4K 240 FPS, that would fucking wild on a 32" OLED monitor.

I want to be a buff guy that jerks to porn in a really healthy way while still being really stimulated by it, that's my dream!!!

[harrisonluisconsulting]

We provide a large selection of excellent party rental service provider, such as chairs, tables, decorations, and linens. We make a great effort in selecting our inventory to make sure your event is unique.

[ddpartyrental]

Creating Unforgettable Memories with D&D Party Rentals

When planning an outdoor event in Toronto, you want everything to be perfect, from the decor to the seating arrangements. That's where D&D Party Rentals come into play. With their extensive range of party rental equipment and expertise, you can turn your event into a memorable experience. From tables and chairs to linens and dinnerware, D&D Party Rentals has you covered.

Premium Tent Rentals for All-Weather Events

In a city like Toronto, where the weather can be quite unpredictable, having a reliable shelter for your event is essential. Premium tent rentals offer the perfect solution. These high-quality tents are designed to withstand various weather conditions, ensuring your event goes off without a hitch. With the Premium tent rentals Toronto , you can host an outdoor event without worrying about sudden rain or harsh sunlight.

The Advantages of D&D Party Rentals

When it comes to planning a successful event, it's crucial to rely on professional party rental services like D&D Party Rentals. Their extensive collection of rental items makes it easy to transform your vision into reality. You'll find tables, chairs, linens, and more, all meticulously maintained to ensure a clean and elegant look for your event. Whether it's a wedding, corporate gathering, or a casual get-together, D&D Party Rentals can provide the equipment you need.

Premium Tent Rentals for Versatile Outdoor Hosting

Premium tent rentals in Toronto offer an array of benefits. They come in various sizes to accommodate both intimate gatherings and large events. These tents are designed with durability in mind, allowing you to plan outdoor events year-round. Whether it's a summer wedding, a fall festival, or a winter corporate event, premium tent rentals offer the flexibility needed for successful outdoor hosting.

The Convenience of D&D Party Rentals

D&D Party Rentals simplifies the event planning process. By renting everything you need from one trusted source, you eliminate the hassle of dealing with multiple vendors. This convenience not only saves you time but also ensures a cohesive and polished look for your event. Moreover, their well-maintained equipment and quality customer service will make your event planning journey a breeze.

Premium Tent Rentals - A Secure Choice

With the unpredictability of weather conditions in Toronto, it's crucial to choose premium tent rentals that can stand up to the challenge. These tents are engineered to withstand rain, wind, and sunlight, offering a secure and comfortable environment for your guests. Knowing that your event is protected from the elements allows you to relax and enjoy the moment.

D&D Party Rentals - Making Your Event Memorable

When it comes to event planning, details matter. D&D Party Rentals understands the importance of these details, which is why they offer a wide range of items to choose from. You can select the perfect table settings, chairs, and linens to match your theme and style. By doing so, you'll create an atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression on your guests.

Premium Tent Rentals - The Key to Year-Round Outdoor Events

Toronto's diverse climate calls for adaptable event planning. Premium tent rentals are the key to hosting successful outdoor events in any season. These tents provide the necessary shelter and comfort, ensuring your guests are protected from the elements. You can confidently host events throughout the year, without worrying about weather-related setbacks.

Conclusion

Premium tent rentals Toronto offer essential services for planning a memorable and successful outdoor event. With D&D Party Rentals, you have access to a wide range of event equipment, while premium tent rentals provide the shelter needed to combat Toronto's unpredictable weather. Both services contribute to the convenience and versatility required for hosting an event that your guests will cherish. So, whether it's a wedding, corporate event, or any other special occasion, make the most of D&D Party Rentals and premium tent rentals to create an unforgettable experience.

[magicflowerseventrentals]

Toronto Party Rentals is a Toronto-based company that rents all party supplies and equipment, from plates and glasses to tents, tables, chairs and more. Designing the perfect event has never been easier with Magic Flowers Event Rentals providing you with all your needs. We are proud to offer our customers a wide variety of party supplies and equipment at great prices. 

[citygatesuites]

Key things to look for in a furnished apartment

When you move into your new apartment much of your stress is removed with a fully furnished apartment. You don't have to invest in essential household items like tables, chairs, beds, kitchen items and many other things, with fully furnished apartments in Toronto on rent. You just need to pack your belongings and yourself on move-in day and you are all set.

However, in many cases, not all apartments advertised as fully furnished are equally created. Certain furnishings are usually included and other amenities and services may or may not be included.

A fully furnished apartment may be a bit confusing in terms of the furnishing items, so we have narrowed down some of the common features and amenities that you can get in any furnished apartment you're looking for.

1: Look for amenities

You can check whether the apartment building has a working elevator, parking space, laundry services, balcony, and fitness center and is pet friendly.  Since many people now work from home, fast internet service is very important and cannot be underestimated. However, the upfront cost you pay now will likely be less than the average cost of furnishing an apartment.

2: Healthy atmosphere

It is critical to not only provide the necessary equipment but also to create an atmosphere. You can quickly create this by providing easy-care carpets in the various rooms, a lighting concept, selected pictures, and decorative items. Make sure to conceal any cables.

3: Furnished living room

A couch, coffee table, end table, and lamps may be included in a furnished apartment. The end table can be used as a desk, which is ideal for those who need a place to do their homework. A chair, ottoman, or bookshelf, as well as electronic devices such as a TV or stereo system, may be present.

4: Ask for utility bills

Just because an apartment is ready to move, it doesn't mean your utility bill is included in the listed price of rent. For example, a unit may be internet and cable ready, but you are still expected to provide a modem, router, and TV, and be responsible for the monthly bills. Utilities can add up. Some common utilities that the renter will pay for are electricity, natural gas, water, trash, recycling, etc.

5: Look for safety

The house may look good from the inside doesn't mean the location is also safe. So you need to make sure and research the different safety features of each apartment. Well-lit parking lots and high-quality logs are a couple of examples of positive safety features.

Now that you know how to narrow your search for a furnished apartment, you can find the accommodation of your dream.

[wulfies-kpop-fanfics]

One Photo → Mark Lee [8]

↳  Pairing: Mark Lee/Reader

↳  AU: Soulmate!AU - The first touch of two soulmates permanently scars their bodies.

↳  Warning: angst if you squint, I guess

↳  Word count: 2,294

↳  Chapters: Prelude | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | You Are Here! | 9

⁙ Summary: For an end of the year photography project, you’re tasked with taking a photograph for your favourite group, NCT127, and coincidentally, discover your soulmate.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

WEDNESDAY - 8 TWO YEARS LATER

The heart of Toronto would never compare to the magnificence of Times Square in New York, but the mass amount of billboards by the Eaton Center always managed to send you into awe during your nightly trek home from work. 

You looked up toward the billboards with a sigh as you waited for your streetcar, barely managing to squeeze out a smile as you saw Mark’s visage splayed along one of the electronic spaces. The night sky was too polluted with the city’s light to display any real stars, but Mark’s face was more than enough for you. For the past week, you had seen NCT127’s faces sprawled across that billboard, part of promotions for their latest global comeback. It was a brief respite as you waited for your streetcar home every night, to finally know that the day was over and that you could relax.

It had been such a long time since you’ve seen Mark in person. Even though you texted him every day when the two of you were awake at the same time and video chatted whenever he had five minutes to himself, it always felt depressing to be without him. To not kiss or touch or hug at all was torture.

Everyone knew that it was deadly for soulmates to be apart for so long, that depression would set in and even worse physical illnesses were a real risk. It was hard to be so far away and over the past year you had been let go from multiple jobs because you were constantly sick, and therein lies the problem. You simply couldn’t afford the solution to your problem. So, depression and illness it was. It took everything you had to keep your head above water, to keep your dream alive and know that one day your heart wouldn’t ache as much as it does at the present moment.

After a 20 minute ride on the streetcar, you entered your building and took the stairs up to your little hole-in-the-wall apartment, the bare minimum that you could afford after Rhiannon paid her last half of the old place’s rent. A single bed, bath and a tiny kitchen that housed a little chair and round table. Thankfully, there was enough counter space that you could place a tiny TV to watch Netflix on while you ate. You were lucky that the house had a large living room, which doubled as your studio.

The coffee table was one of the only things left from your old apartment, along with the tote of Marvel films you kept hidden below it. Atop the table now rested all of your cameras, a drawing tablet and cards that you got in the mail from Mark from time-to-time, instead of notes, binders and textbooks. Sitting against the wall across from the table was a small bookshelf and an easel with a large frame sitting on it, housing the last portrait you finished the night before, ready to be shipped to the buyer.

After… somewhat enjoying a quick pot of white cheddar mac & cheese and watching a rerun of Supernatural on your little TV, you head into your room and sit at the desk next to your bed. After starting your computer, you opened up discord and sat back in your wheely chair, waiting for Rhiannon’s status to change to green. Wednesday was the day that she had to be up early for her job, so that meant time for a 10-minute call before you went to bed and she went to work. 

Next to your computer was a copy of the photo you took two years ago, of your soulmate and all his friends beneath the shedding cherry trees in High Park. You smiled at it, the memory was fond but now faint in your mind. You reached forward to pick it up, but you stopped yourself. You knew that if you inspected the photo more, you’d only miss Mark and all your friends more. 

There were times where your apartment became so quiet that it reminded you how alone you really were. You had lived with Rhiannon most of your life, and that meant there was at least some noise going on at all times. Whether she had her headset unplugged when she was listening to music or watching youtube videos, she was clattering about when helping you wash and dry the dishes, or if she was walking around and tripped on nothing. She was always talking, laughing, or doing something that always let you know that she was there. Now, you had nothing.  

The silence is broken and you’re startled by the calling sound from discord, Rhiannon’s icon popping up on the top of your screen. You place your hand on your mouse and click the join call button, adjusting the webcam perched on the top of your desktop monitor. 

"Hey," Rhiannon was the first to speak, yawning and reaching back to pull her hair into a perfect, tight ponytail. 

"Hey," you respond, watching her closely and leaning your chin on your right palm. "How are you holding up?"

"I should be asking you that, Jesus, you look like the Hulk if he got the swine flu," she retorts, and even through the grainy quality you can tell she has sympathy written all over her face. "I'm doing great, we've got two cleanings today and a wisdom teeth removal, so that'll be fun." 

You scoff and attempt to smile, "I'm fiiiiine, other than the fact that I'm here and you're there, 13 hours in the future and at least one ocean in between us and an entire continent and a half. I'd say that constitutes abandonment."

"I got the getting while it was good and you know that," she stuck her tongue out at you. "You need to keep saving so that you can fly your ass out here." She squinted at the screen. "You really need to drink like… an entire bottle of nyquil, dude."

"If only it were that easy," you groan. "I don't even have a photographer's position yet. All I get is sitting at a desk and responding to emails… even with my head start, I can't find a good job and I barely make enough to keep living in Toronto." You stick out your tongue back at her for the nyquil comment. "As if I haven't been hiding a bottle of dayquil in my desk for the past week."

Rhiannon stopped what she was doing and leaned toward her camera. "You know why you can't get the jobs you want," her voice is soft, empathetic. "Mark is having trouble, too. He's been doing a lot of half days, so I don't know how they plan to do their tour with him being constantly sick." 

You looked away. "I can't afford to take any more time off… I don't want to lose this job. If I do, I'm not sure that I'll be able to make my rent."

"You're going to need to take time eventually,” Rhiannon stated firmly. "If you don't get at least some of your strength back you're going to end up in the hospital like I did. Remember?" 

You glanced back at your screen, watching Donghyuck wander around in the backdrop. You were beyond jealous that they got to live together. 

"Maybe. I just miss you. More than I miss having a clear passageway in my nose." 

Rhiannon smiled sadly at you. "I miss you too, everyone does. You'll be here soon, I promise. I gotta go, sleep well and drink plenty of water, okay?"

"Okay." 

Rhiannon waved at you before her screen went dark, ending the call. The call was shorter than usual, so you presumed that she had woken up late. You zoned out a little, acutely aware that the apartment had gone silent again. You didn't want to cry, to give up after surviving for so long. You had made it this far without letting everything get to you.

You knew that your deteriorating health was because of your separation from Mark and companies saw that as a liability, even though laws had come into place last year to protect separated soulmates from workplace discrimination. You felt a tiny ping of hope when Rhiannon said you would be able to move soon, but you knew she was lying to make you feel better. 

Feeling lethargic, you stand and make your way to the dresser in the corner of your room, stripping and throwing your clothes about the room. You open up a drawer and pull out a pair of sweatpants and the softest t-shirt you could find and slipped them on, wandering to your bed and slowly climbing in. You slipped off your glasses, placing them on your desk and reached forward to turn off your lamp.

You hugged your polar bear and tried to get comfortable, hoping to fall asleep quickly. You supposed you could call into work when you woke up; at least your manager was nice enough to understand when you needed a day off. You rolled over, tossed and turned, but sleep wouldn't come. Not while your phone was constantly buzzing. 

"What the hell," you mumble to yourself, untangling yourself from the knot of blankets you had tied yourself in to reach for your phone. Your lock screen lit up with a photo of Mark, one you had taken two years ago of him standing in Union Station. 

[Rhiannon (5)] 

She sure knew how to type quickly. 

Rhiannon: I'm on my way to work, I'll let you know when I'm there

Rhiannon: sorry our call was so short, I was running a little late

Rhiannon: I talked to Mark last night, did he say anything? 

Rhiannon: are you asleep already? It's been like 5 minutes 

Rhiannon: ok you're basically just ignoring me at this point

You: calm down bro I was getting in my pyjamas 

Rhiannon: I forgot how slow you get when you're sick, I could die of boredom waiting for you to respond 

You: hardy har 

Rhiannon: so have you talked to mark today? 

You: around lunchtime he woke up from a nightmare but I assume hes busy right now 

Rhiannon: Things have been pretty bad around now, I think you might have guessed that

You: Yeah, things aren’t really that great here either, but I’m more worried about Mark… have they given him time off? 

Rhiannon: Not much besides half days. He’s really been missing you. Maybe you should message him and see if he’s not busy

You: Yeah, maybe. I feel really guilty

Rhiannon: I know. I still could help you buy your plane ticket, you know. You: You know I can’t do that, I can’t take more from you than I have already. I owe you too much.

No response. 

You: Rhiannon I’m sorry 

You: Come on, you can’t have scrubbed in that fast!

You sighed, staring at your screen and still seeing no response from your best friend. You took a deep breath in and immediately regretted it when you began coughing up a lung, but at least you weren't upchucking your dinner. Instead, you decided to send a text to Mark.

You: mark, you there? 

You close your mind for a moment, thinking that maybe going to bed even later than usual would just make you more sick in the end, but you really needed to know what was going on. 

Mark: yeah I'm here babe, what's wrong, can't sleep? 

You: no not really… do you have time to talk for a bit? 

Mark: yeah, my legs gave out during our first practice so I'm taking a break

You: I'm sorry

Mark: it's not your fault (Y/N) 

You: it kind of is, we're both dying because I can't afford to move 

Mark: (Y/N), we're not dying, and it's okay, you'll be able to move soon

You: face it you know that we are… I haven't felt this horrible in a long time and I've thrown up three times today 

Mark didn't respond right away. 

Mark: why are you putting yourself down so much 

You: I just… have a lot of regrets right now 

Mark: what do you mean

You licked your lips and rolled over in bed, wondering if you should tell him.

Mark: are you okay? 

You: no, I feel like this would make you hate me 

Mark: I could never hate you and you know that. Tell me what's been bothering you.

You: For the past while… Rhiannon’s been offering me money. It’s honestly not much because everyone’s struggling nowadays, but it would be enough for me to fly to Korea, and I’ve felt so guilty about it that I kept saying no and she stopped offering

Mark: You mean that you could have been here faster? You: and now I feel that saying no was a really bad idea… and I.. I can’t afford anything, barely even food and now I hear that you’re even more sick than I am and I feel terrible

You: I don’t know what to do

Mark: It’s okay, (Y/N), really. I know how hard it is to take money from someone else, I’m not mad at you

You: Really?

Mark: I’m just disappointed that I have to keep waiting. You’ll be able to move soon, I promise, I promise, I promise

You: Are you going to be okay

Mark: As long as you are. Take care of yourself, okay? I’ll be there for you the second you land. Okay?

You: Okay. I… I should probably get some sleep now. Mark: Rest well, I love you

You: I love you too 

You sighed, placing your phone on your desk and turning over in your bed. It was time.

[jjyusmile]

the boyz as european university students

notes: for european deobis! this is my imagination running wild with the help of @haechansbeas​ <33 not sure if anyone has done this before... just a little fun for everyone hehe :’)

warnings: mention of food and drink, mention of loneliness

sangyeon

- graduated from the university of barcelona and moved to the uk last year

- he is currently doing a phd in international politics at the univeristy of exeter

- he plans to move to geneva in switzerland eventually and become a south korean ambassador for the united nations

- he spends his weekends alone most of the time, taking long hikes and listening to music 

- often goes clubbing and teaches his juniors the meringue dance after a few too many rum and cokes

jacob

- studies music technology at the university of toronto but is doing a year abroad at the norwegian academy of music

- allowed to take any electives he wants.. he chose lyrical spanish and dance theory

- misses his friends and dogs a lot -- plans to go home for christmas just to cuddle his brother and his dog

- time distance sucks what is the point

- but he is very much used to the cold weather

- at graduation, he is on track to win most caffeinated and most likely to star in a disney remake

younghoon

- his family moved to moscow when he was twelve just so he could get into the russian institute of theatre arts for drama

- has two dogs named kyung and woo

- plans to find a job in moscow after he graduates but wouldn’t mind going interrailing first before settling down

- wants to visit his friend juyeon so that he has a place to stay for edinburgh fringe festival

- aspires to star in his first korean drama as the male lead but will take any role he can get first

hyunjae

- he flew to milan to study musical theatre with aspirations of moving to new york and starring in a one man off-broadway show

- loves to be on stage but hated the theory work so he eventually dropped out

- fell in love and moved with them to a single bedroom in london, it didn’t work out

- now works as the assistant manager of a boba cafe by the london palladium and gets discounted theatre tickets through an usher he met during the chitty chitty bang bang run

- wears suits and carries around his badge to show his authority

- will probably move back to korea soon and audition to become an idol

juyeon

- moved to scotland when he was 16 to live with his mum’s best friend, now attends the university of edinburgh

- lives in a studio apartment that has a clear view of arthur’s seat on a sunny day out of his tiny window... gets a little lonely sometimes so he meal preps a lot

- studies classical literature and doing a dissertation on toxic masculinity in the epics of homer

- spends his time in clutter filled bookstores trying to find obscure novels

- has read war and peace so many times that the binding on his copy is unthreading

- no space for a book shelf but cannot push his desk chair under his desk because thats where he stores his collection

kevin

- he and changmin decided to move to paris together to venture the city of art… oh and love 

- attends the university of paris to study child psychology with a minor in graphic art 

- sits on his not-so-spacious balcony each morning with a cup of coffee and sketch book looking out onto the concorde waiting for his roommate to wake up

- sells his design prints on etsy under the username m0onscribblez so that changmin can’t find him and buy them all

- will go to independent art exhibitions in his free time and class it as “studying”

chanhee (new)

- got 4 distinctions in maths, economics, psychology and physics in school

- received an unconditional offer from 7 russell group universities but finally accepted an offer from the university of cambridge with a shoulder shrug

- studies a double honours in maths and economics; has been class president for three years and will accept nothing less than that

- but still personifies infp

- interns at cambridge university press as a marketing and finance assistant but could calculate his seniors under the table

changmin (q)

- rents a two-bedroom apartment with kevin and his dog, ghana

- he and ghana will often crash in kevin’s room while he’s up all night drawing

- studies art history at école du louvre and takes advantage of the free louvre tickets he gets to “treat” kevin to a day out “on him”

- teaches at the dance studio on the corner; will shout at students who do not get the choreo right after he’s already told them once

- meets his roommate for lunch every day at the same cafe next to notre dame where he orders the iced tea of the day… unless its hibiscus, we don’t do hibiscus

- drags kevin the horror-themed nights at the local cinema complex downtown

haknyeon

- attends leeds beckett university because they offer the best undergraduate degree in photography

- lives in a 10-person house but only gets along with three of them

- voted best smile at the union awards, he gave the prize toothbrush to his housemate and they moved out because they were offended

- often takes advantage of the student night at the clubs in town every monday

- dance leader of the b-boying society

- will take a packed lunch and wander into the dales when he needs time away from chaotic uni life

sunwoo

- goes to the university of hull to study sport rehabilitation; everyone wants to sit beside him but he just wants to copy their notes

- captain of the football (soccer) team and won the national university championship two years in a row

- doesn’t go to the library because the only free desks by late afternoon are too close to the high story windows

- lives in a flatshare in town so that he’s closer to the nightlife

- friends with everyone and is often mistaken as ‘the guy who flirts’

- doesn’t attend lectures unless they’re after 2pm and will only go to campus on days he has football training

eric

- lives just across the river from sunwoo in lincolnshire

- spent most of his time playing animal crossing and failed his exams, found the university of lincoln through clearing

- studies business management but is considering switching to computer science if they’ll let him

- goes there just to compete against sunwoo in the humber games

- everyone wants to be his friend because he sounds like a cali boy... will be friends with anyone if they will listen to him

- has many dates lining up for the end of year ball but would rather take sunwoo 

-------

A/N: we procrastinated the other day and came up with these university scenarios for the boyz and they just fit so well.. will probably also post this on my twitter lol

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"My Mind Was Clear But Unable to Reveal My Name 4 Long Years'," Toronto Star. September 29, 1943. Page 1 & 2. --- By MARGARET ECKER The true story of John Patrick Murphy is stranger than the fiction he writes. It's a pulp writer's dream come true.

Four years ago - on July 26. 1939 - John Patrick Murphy was picked up by police from a Toronto street. A woman standing by muttered, "Aren't these drunks disgusting." and an ambulance took him, unidentified, to a hospital.

John Patrick Murphy wasn't drunk. He was completely stricken by paralysis. His brain was clear, but he couldn't move a finger. he couldn't even frame his own name with his lips. He did try, and from the results he was booked for twe years in that hospital as "John Murray" of Vancouver.

John Patrick Murphy of Timmins, telegrapher and radio announcer, vanished into air. A mystery man lay in a hospital. A wife and a nine-year-old son waited at home, dazed, incredulous that the father of the home should not return from a business trip to Toronto.

Missed This Pocket In a hospital safe was a wallet that could have cleared up the mystery - but no one discovered the secret pocket with the cards of identification.

As John Patrick tapped out on an alphabet board in Our Lady of Mercy Hospital for Incurables the other day: "Even from the first there was little pain-only shock. My mind was clear."

At first, he couldn't even swallow and he was kept alive by intravenous feeding. Later he was fed through a rubber tube. At the end of eight months he could swallow and a little feeling had seeped into his left side. He still couldn't grip a pen or pencil.

One day, his wife, in her search for him, passed within two blocks left hand is more convenient and although it of the hospital. She couldn't know takes time he writers that her husband might almost have seen her front his wheel chair by the window.

John Patrick Murphy still sits in that same chair. He's still paralytic. He still has no control over his body except for the fingers of his left hand, with which he can punch down on typewriter keys.

World is His Oyster But the world became his oyster when the meagre power came back to these fingers.

"I'm writing all right now," he tapped out on his alphabet board. "In a few years I'll be sitting pretty."

It was two years before John's large, capable hands hands showed signs of life, then only the left one responded to his ceaseless flexing. One day he found he could clutch a pencil - and John Murphy of Vancouver was a mystery man no longer.

"I spent days printing notes to my wife, my mother, my friends," he typed out.

His wife rushed down from Timmins.

"We decided there must be something I could still do. Then we hit on it - I'd write stories. The problem was solved - I thought."

This is the story of the birth of John Patrick Murphy - author, as he punched it out himself.

"Dad built a special table for me to fit a wheelchair. A tyре writer company rented me a type writer at a purely nominal sum, I thought I was made.

Story is Accepted "For seven months I ground out tripe only to have it fired back in my face with reason. Finally in March, 1942, came my first sale. Ten bucks for 2,300 words. My wife was jubilant. Me too. We were made. I war a writer.

"But I didn't have another sale until August. After that my writing paid off better. I've made several hundred since then - $500 since January of this year. Writing in a 13-bed hospital ward is rather hectic at times, but I spend from 8 a.m. to 8 pm. in my wheel chair, and I work eight hours every day. I'm still clawing at the fringes, but I'm improving.

He indicated a copy of the Farmer's Magazine. Inside was one of the tales he has dreamed up 'Tundra Detective,' a blood and thunder adventure yarn.

He took up his story again: "My wife and I play games. We pretend that I was interned in the first month of the war and that my exile will last only until hostilities cease. Could be.

"We are working for our own home again. She is a stout fella - plenty of courage and the biggest heart in the world. Our boy, 14, is worth working for he wants to be a doctor. The future looks very rosy for us."

"Don't Worry About It" "I will never get better but I don't worry about it because the world is a pretty sick place to live in now anyway. Laboriously spelled out on a board all the letters of the alphabet and the numerals from one to nine, this is Mr. Murphy's philosophy of life.

"I don't worry," he spelled out, "I keep busy at my work eight hours a day and have sold a story every week for the past several months." Inserted in his typewriter was the third sheet of the manuscript of his latest tale - another epic of crime.

He says his fondest hope is that his son can achieve his ambition to become a doctor. My wife he stated, "comes from a family of doctors and it is born in the boy."

He works in front of a large window in the 13-bed ward. His desk is piled high with dictionaries, best sellers and copies of magazines in which his stories have been printed.

"Life is not as dark as It would appear, he smiled. my work keeps me occupied and my mind off other things."

Writes Regularly Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Murphy, Sr. of Cobalt, are his parents.

"Pat has to write all correspondence with the index finger of his left hand,' said his mother. 'This is more convenient and although it takes time he writes us once a week. He also keeps in touch with three sisters and a brother so I know he's improving.

Each summer, usually in August, the parents visit their son for two days. He has shown progress in talking, they say. Soon, they hope he will walk.

[mikrowrites]

just an act (two)

Shawn Mendes x Reader

Shawn feels as though his life is falling apart, so he attempts to try and reach out to Y/N before it’s too late.

The song is “you should be sad” by Halsey!

If you want the full hurt of this story, I suggest listening to it on loop while reading this chapter xx

Shawn wanted to pick her.

A thousand times over, he would’ve said Y/N’s name and found her and consoled her, but he couldn’t. And he hated himself for that.

His contract was strict. Convince fans and the world, even his own damn family that Shawn and Camila were dating, to promote Señorita and get a Grammy win. But he was so fucking tired, and he loved Y/N so much.

Shawn watched Y/N walk out of the ice rink, how strongly and gracefully she walked out of his life. He felt Camila’s hand squeeze his tighter, Shawn turning to see his PR girlfriend on the verge of tears. Camila and Y/N were close friends, this had to be killing her too.

He wanted to run after her, convince her to stay, to explain the contract and win her back. But Shawn feared the damage was done.

——————

Y/N let her fingers softly strum against her guitar, sitting in her lonely hotel room. The acoustic was bequeathed to her by Shawn, and when Karen had brought it to her last night she couldn’t bring herself to part with it.

She began to strum a familiar tune, her voice finally crawling up and out of her throat.

I wanna start this out and say

I gotta get it off my chest

Got no anger, got no malice

Just a little bit of regret

Know nobody else will tell you

So there's some things I gotta say

Gonna jot it down and then get it out

And then I'll be on my way

Y/N began to strum the strings harder, letting the chords dig into her fingertips and her whole body began to shake.

Oh, I feel so sorry

I feel so sad

I tried to help you

It just made you mad

And I had no warnin'

About who you are

I'm just glad I made it out without breakin' down

And then ran so fuckin' far

That you would never ever touch me again

Y/N screamed out the last lyric, her voice cracking in the end as she dissolved into sobs, gripping the fret tighter. Tears hit the wood with a soft thump.

She let her head bow over, broken sobs wracking her body. She let the grief and heartbreak consume her one final time as she stared out her wide hotel room window at the nighttime Toronto skyline.

After ten minutes her tears dried, Y/N running her hand along the smooth mahongany of the guitar, before lifting it and gently setting it in its hard plastic case, snapping it closed.

To Y/N, it felt like a burial.

——————

Morning broke in Pickering, Shawn shuffling downstairs, exhausted. He couldn’t sleep all night, much less close his eyes without seeing Y/N. He wished he had know how badly this would hurt, he never would’ve signed that goddamn contract.

Manuel and Karen fluttered about the kitchen, Karen washing fruit as Manny cooked eggs. Aaliyah was setting the table and at the sight of Shawn, she glared and slammed the last fork on the table, leaving the room.

His parents looked up at the sound, but once watching the scene unfold they silently went back to their duties.

Shawn felt a lump grow in his throat, turning and rushing up the stairs. He burst into his childhood room, Camila yawning as she sat up in bed. He had been sleeping in a sleeping bag on the floor, refusing to share the bed with her.

“Shawn? What’s going on?” Camila drowsily asked.

“We need to tell my parents.” Shawn insisted. “We need to break this contract.”

Camila sat up, the sleepiness leaving her senses. “I hate this as much as you do, but Shawn... you’re asking me to put my career on the line.”

“I’ll let you come out spotless,” Shawn pleaded, stepping forwards to the end of the bed. “Mendes’ aren’t snitches.”

“Well, you’re about to become one.” Camila sighed, throwing her legs over the bed. “Let’s do it.”

——————

Y/N threw her backpack over her shoulder, hoisting the straps up upon her frame as she lifted up the guitar case. She graciously thanked the receptionist, walking out of the hotel lobby.

As her taxi maneuvered Toronto traffic, Y/N became lost in her thoughts, watching the buildings for the last time.

She smiled at the sight of the coffee shop where Shawn and herself had their first date.

Chuckled seeing the street corner where they first met, when Shawn had found her busking to pay rent.

Stared dreamily looking at the bookstore where they sat for hours, reading (but really catching glimpses over the books).

Y/N was shaken out of her memories by the familiar tune of “Perfectly Wrong” playing on the radio. Ironic, Y/N grumbled in her head.

“Excuse me, could you please change the radio? I’m very sorry...” Y/N mumbled to the driver, who let out a huff but changed it nonetheless.

“Thank you...” Y/N sighed, “Bad breakup.”

The driver looked over their shoulder, their frown loosening. “That sucks kid. Sorry.”

Y/N smiled tightly, looking out the window.

“My girlfriend cheated on me,” the driver continued, Y/N perking up, “and I had to find out by them fucking in my own bed. I was destroyed, and it hurt for a while, but then I found my wife. Thing’s’ll get better. I can tell you that much.”

Y/N finally smiled, genuinely.

“I hope so.”

——————

Shawn and Camila sat across the table from the Mendes family, the boy nervously rubbing his hands. “Before we actually have this conversation, anything that happens, leave Camila’s name out of this. Please. We’re risking a lot, but I’ve already lost too much.”

The family hesitantly shook their heads yes, Shawn running a hand through his hair as he stumbled for words to find out how to start.

“My agent and producer gave me a contract,” Camila spoke up, Shawn whipping his head to her. “Shawn’s agent and producer were present too, he was given the same paperwork. They insisted we pursue a PR romantic relationship to promote our new single.”

“They threatened to leave a stain on our record, that we could be removed from the label if we denyed. We were jumped, and we were terrified.” Shawn continued. “So we signed the contract, because we love to sing, to perform. We signed, because we were scared of what would happen if we didn’t.”

Karen had tears welling within her eyes, Manuel’s face softening.

Aaliyah finally spoke up. “So that kiss...” she trailed off.

“Meant nothing at all.” Camila reassured. “But it cost us the most important thing in our lives.”

“Y/N.” Aaliyah murmured. Suddenly she stood, her chair pushing away with a creak. “You have to go win her back!”

“Liyah...” Manuel began, the girl cutting her off.

“No, you have to! You two were meant to be with each other, you need to stop her from leaving!” Aaliyah cried out.

Karen blinked away the moisture from her eyes, shaking her head. “Honey, that’s—“

“I have to go win her back.” Shawn nodded, looking up at his family and Camila. “I have to go win her back!” He shouted, bursting up as he grabbed his keys, placing a ballcap and sunglasses on his face. Shawn turned to look at Camila, who nervously smiled.

“Go get our girl.”

——————

Y/N sat in one of the uncomfortable chairs outside her gate, the airport chatter dulled by her earbuds. The same song looped through her ears, somehow strangely giving her strength.

But you're not half the man you think that you are

And you can't fill the hole inside of you with money, girls and cars

I'm so glad I never ever had a baby with you

'Cause you can't love nothin' unless there's somethin' in it for you

Y/N took a bite of her toasted bagel, longing for her guitar that was being loaded onto the plane. She longed to go home, where her mother would say “told you so” and she could finally have some peace.

Shawn never came to (hometown/nearest city), not unless he had a concert. Never attempted to get to know Y/N’s home like she had Pickering and Toronto.

She shook her head, throwing the rest of her bagel away and standing as her boarding class was called, shouldering her backpack.

After a long wait in line, maybe ten or so minutes, Y/N finally reached the front. The flight attendant looked up, her eyes growing wide. “Oh my goodness! You’re Y/N L/N!”

Y/N smiled in surprise. “Oh, um, yes! Guilty!”

“Oh, my daughter loves your Spotify singles! She’s your biggest fan!” The woman excitedly gushed, Y/N giggling. She was a very small singer, not even a part of a label, and meeting fans was a rarity.

“I’m honored, ma’am.” Y/N smiled politely.

“Could I snap a quick photo with you? My little girl will freak!” Y/N nodded, leaning over the desk to the woman as she snapped a photo.

Y/N’s grin fell as she noticed a familiar figure running in the background of the phone screen. She turned, freezing as 30 feet away Shawn stopped in his tracks, panting heavily. She could see past his hoodie, hat, and sunglasses, the incognito look was never very stealthy.

“Is—is that Shawn Mendes?! Oh sweet Jesus, I’m having a stroke!” The flight attendant cried.

The two didn’t move a muscle for many seconds. Shawn took a few steps forward cautiously, gauging her reaction.

Y/N broke into a run, dropping her backpack and racing up to Shawn, throwing her arms around him. He staggered backwards, wrapping his own long arms around her, clutching the back of her head with one of his hands. The two embraced each other deeply, letting go of heartbreak, fighting for another chance.

At least, that’s what happened in Y/N’s head.

She instead hardened her face into a glare, turning her back to him. Y/N scanned her ticket, and without another glance walked past the gate, towards her plane and to home.

Shawn’s shoulders slumped, the man feeling the weigh of everything crash down on him. He stumbled backwards, his whole body shaking as he quickly turned, rushing for a bathroom.

Once finding a men’s room, he ran inside, locking himself in a stall and ripping off his hat, his breaths growing ragged and hard, as if he were drowning in air.

Shawn sank to his knees, grasping his curly hair with his fingers as he slid down the wall onto the dirty tiled floor, tears cascading down his face.

Shawn wanted to rip up that fucking contract, destroy his reputation. He wanted to scream it from the rooftops, loud enough she’d hear, loud enough the whole world would hear.

It was all just an act.

To be continued in part 3...

[belladonnaandulriched]

the dead of night | chapter two

“So tell me more about the break ups.” It was a strange thing from me to ask of that, but I had my hope that it would bring some insight to this time period and also to the case of Francine.

The bunch of us were congregated around the largest table right in the center of the cafe. I took a seat next to Kristina and the two of us were seated across from Hannah and Joey; Frankie, Nancy, and Geddy had pulled up three chairs to the edge of the table. I leaned in closer to Kristina and that fresh smell wafting off of her neck. Her deep eyes gazed back at me like big black holes. Those old feelings about her from our school days returned to me: I had my first kiss with her, and with anybody, right at the start of Rosh Hashanah. There was a part of me that wanted to hold her hand, but I had my doubts, though.

Even though I was back to my twenty something self, I still believed I was married to Pearl. But then again, for all I knew, I was still bound in my marriage to Marge. I looked down to my left hand to see a faint tan line on my finger. I had no idea what year it was, and part of me wanted to let loose and have a little fun with Kristina. We had come out of high school and I had found myself in the hot seat next to her. I squirmed on top of the plush vinyl cushion, especially when I eyed the faded stonewash denim making up her skirt.

“Chris and I were fighting a lot,” Nancy explained. “I wanted to show him that there was more to our relationship than just love making and making art. We met Hannah when she and Joey got back together, and I wanted us to be like them. Something about Chris and Joey looking similar to one another or some shit... but it was starting to feel like a cheap romance between us. A cheap romance that became a knock off of the real thing. So we got together one day and we sat down on the couch and broke up for literally four hours.”

“It still baffles me that it took you that long to break it off with him,” Geddy pointed out as he took a sip from his water glass.

“Well, we had to talk through living situations and everything,” she explained. “I had to figure out where I wanted to go, and so I called up Hannah and she recommended me to Marcia and Sonia in Rochester. It was clear across the country from Seattle but I was willing to do it, though. Just pick up and leave, especially with Seattle going the way in which it's going at the moment. I never would've met you, either.”

I lowered my gaze to the sight of her hand resting upon the top of the table. Her fingers crept closer to him, to which he rested his arms upon the table. I looked over at Joey and Hannah, the latter of whom had snuggled closer to him even though it wasn't too cold in there. Frankie just sat there with the glass in one hand and his gaze pointed down to the table.

“As for Matt and Dominique—I'm still not sure what went wrong there,” Nancy continued. “Dom just called me up one day almost out of the blue and said 'Matt and I are done' and I was like, 'really?' You know, the whole thing about me and Chris, like 'I thought things were going great between you.' And she said, 'nah, it went out the window pretty quickly.' At that point, I had found my own place right next door to Marcia and Sonia, and so I told her that she could rent out with me. She and I are living together in Rochester and working at Marcia and Sonia's upholstery shop.”

“What's it called again?” Geddy asked her.

“Sew Into You.”

“Sew Into You, that's it! You told me and Alex about it and we thought it was the best thing ever. And then there was that bakery you and I really like—Smell the Magic.”

“Yeah, she tried to get me a job there but the schedule was crazy, though.” She turned her head towards Hannah. “Wasn't it?”

“Yeah, it was like—check in a three in the morning and then clock out at noon,” Hannah filled in. “I couldn't take it, either, because it was messing with my sleep schedule and my artistry—but then Joey re-entered the picture and the gallery was taking off, too. I had no choice but to leave.”

“You always smelled like donuts whenever I saw you, though,” Joey pointed out.

“Yeah, and I gave you and Francine free donuts for a little bit, too! I want my boy to stay thin and spry, though.” She reached down to pat his belly and he flinched back a bit.

“Thin and spry so we can go hikin' out in the Sierra Nevadas when there's no snow out there,” he cracked.

“Eh, I'm a California girl, baby,” Hannah said with a shrug of her shoulders, “we hike up a mountain as much as we hitch up on the beach and hitchhike to the desert. I once told that to Francine and she was like 'surprised you're not a song writer.'”

“Did she know you were joking, though?” Geddy asked her.

“Oh, yeah. She and I often joke with stuff like that, too. Joke and mess around and whatnot.”

“Art whore, emphasis on 'whore',” Joey teased her, which made her slap him on the shoulder and hush him.

“Did you see Francine before she went missing, though?” I asked Hannah, to which her expression turned serious.

“I did, yeah. We were in fact up in Toronto when it happened, too. We were staying up there for an art show and we were on a tight budget of sorts because of the exchange rate. Frankie told me she was going out for a money order, coffee, and a block of cheese. She didn't come back for about an hour so I figured she just got lost in the city. I went to bed and then I woke up and saw she still hadn't come back yet. I called Joey and he asked me everything, like 'when did she leave' and 'did you call the cops' and all that. He also told me to wait a little while longer to make sure she'd come back. I went to the show and she still didn't show up. I called him again and he told me to call the cops, so I did—I called the Mounties and told them about her—Francine Moody, from Rochester, New York, twenty seven years old, blonde hair blue eyes and thin and petite as a rail, born the thirtieth of April, last seen nine thirty at night. And then I called Nancy because I knew about her relationship with Geddy, a Canadian man. I just felt like that was something he should've known, too. And then... it was just the weirdest thing.”

“I was actually the last guy to have seen her,” Geddy added. “This blonde young lady with an upstate accent asking me where the cheese was and so I told her. The next day I get a call from Nancy, who said a friend of a friend was missing in Canada. She gave me the description and I said, 'hey that's the girl I told where the cheese was in the market.' The Mounties are still looking for her, too.”

“Yeah, the main part of the search lasted about a week and a half,” Hannah continued. “I have to hand it to them, too...” Her voice trailed off and she turned her head to Frankie himself, who sighed through his nose. All I could think about was the death of his brother before the release of Volume 8. He lost his brother and I lost Kristina, who was sitting right there next to me. I figured I didn't have much time with her, especially since I had no idea what year it was.

All I knew was I had until that night in 1997 to take things deeper between the two of us.

“I have no way of driving there, either,” Hannah said. “Frankie drove us there and so I was stranded there in Toronto until Joey came to get me.”

“If we have to run there, I'll do it,” Frankie himself vowed. “I'll have to run to the Canadian border to find her.” He took another drink from his water glass, to which Hannah sniffled a bit.

“Will all of you excuse me for a second?” she asked with a break in her voice.

“Of course, of course,” I assured her.

“Yeah, go ahead,” Joey added. Hannah brushed away a tear from her eye and slid out of her chair. His face fell as he watched her run to the ladies' room on the other side of the room. I returned to Kristina, who was still silent.

“Hate to be in a situation like this,” I told her, to which she shook her head.

“Nothing we can do about it, though,” she said.

“Hang tight, guys,” Joey told us with a raise of his finger.

“Yeah, go ahead, Joey,” Nancy assured him. He stood to his feet and followed Hannah to the ladies' room. I returned to Kristina again.

“So—how are you?” I asked her in a low voice.

“I'm alright. Keepin' an eye on my guitar here.” She directed her attention to the guitar case leaned against the edge of the table: inside there was that beautiful guitar from our school days, or so that was my hope. “I'm hoping to compile an album of sorts.”

“Oh, yeah?” I raised my eyebrows at that and Frankie and Geddy brought their attention to her.

“Yeah. Just—kinda playin' it by ear, though. I want to be able to find the right window for recording and to find the appropriate studio for myself, too.”

“And this being New York, it's helluva waitin' list, too,” I told her. I knew the studio where we recorded Persistence of Time had to still be intact. I figured I could salvage that, too, and perhaps keep it from burning down, and I could do that for Kristina. She could record there. At least, that was my hope for her.

I wanted her to have something to leave behind before she left the earth.