London Psychos

working on that every day for the year; weve both got the job! ” Herbert sighs.

She stares daggers at him, ”You need to grow up! Ive spent this whole damn summer getting ready for this project. You don even realize how important this is! ”

”What if you don make it? ” he retorts.

”Then what? ” she yells, ”You
e supposed to be my friend… ” she says in a depressed tone.

Herbert sighs. ”Ok, ok. Ill support you. I just… I want you to take a break sometime. ”

Eleanor nods in understanding and then glances around the pub. The pub patrons look away as they whisper among themselves.

”All right then, ” Eleanor smiles weakly. She takes a deep breath, calming herself. ”Lets start eating. You know, maybe try a few different things? ”

The day passes like an eternity. The sky becomes gloomy as the sun sets, the lights flickering in the distance. Herbert takes notes diligently, while Eleanor does as well; her Laboratory Manuals pages are again subjected to the tip of her pen.

After loitering in the pub for three hours, the sun starts to set. Herbert stands up and puts a hand on Eleanors shoulder. ”Its dark; we have to look for lodging now. ”

”I know; lets go. ”

They walk past the pub until they reach a small alleyway. A few stray dogs run away from the sound of footsteps while Eleanor and Herbert continue walking down the narrow street.

”Theres a nearby hotel, right? ” she asks, putting her hand on her forehead.

Herbert looks back at her. ”Do you have a migraine? ” he asks.

”Um, a what? Whered you hear that? ” she asks, sounding defensive. ”The book was not that hard! And… focus on looking for the hotel! ” she says, refusing to look at him.

”Fine, fine. ” He gives her a sarcastic smile before turning around. He looks around the empty alleyway before heading to the end of the road, stopping in front of a large white wooden door. He knocks on it multiple times before walking inside.

”Hello? ” he calls. He sees a dim light coming from behind the door.

A well-dressed man opens the door.

”Um… We want to get a room. ” Herbert says.

”Yes, yes. You can get a room. ” the man says, leading them to reception.

”Thank you so much, ” Herbert bows slightly.

”How long do you plan on staying here? ” he asks.

”A night, perhaps. ” Herbert answers.