Isra does not recognize the song in the slightest. It is not the sort of thing that might have been played throughout her childhood, nor is it something she would come across in the corners of the world that she lurks as an adult.

There is something in the barking commands and questions of Elijah that prevent her from focusing on the book. She can only look up at him and blink. Attempting to process the scene in front of her falls short. It is not often that an individual stumps her so thoroughly, but the apothecary does nonetheless.

A brow quirks, a blank face scrunches into mild confusion and lips move with words more candid than most can manage to get out of her. "You're not very good at this are you?"

It does not register that she should try to be heard over the music, his choice mixing with the bass in the distance like like an awkward turtle in a crowd.

It is a good thing, for Elijah's sake, that no one has ever taught her about awkward turtles.

elijah gardner

the moment elijah sees isra's confusion, his innards begin to twist. he studies it intensely with the hard shape of his gaze. but he masks it all with a deadpan face.

"alright, then you try!"

he's sweaty, elijah realizes. he stops the song and the room brightens with silence. the tv screen shows randomized scenes and snippets from music videos. they transition awkwardly and in non-sequitur.

a waiter enters. the beer is set, and quietly they leave. as elijah waits for isra's choice, he chugs his beer like an elephant at a watering hole.

Isra Nightingale