( limelight ) overflow

[featherduster]

i preemptively know i'll need this

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( AU ) what's this guy's deal

[featherduster]

You're transplanting plant grafts into little nursery pots when you glance at the clock -- 11:15 -- and then at the door, wondering if Mr. Mechanic will wander in again. He comes in around 11 almost every day, but at quarter past, maybe not today.

You return your attention to the plants, until you catch sight of movement you hadn't noticed before, just outside the shop windows: Mr. Mechanic, crouched with his back to the glass.

You frown, concerned. Is he hurt? Did he drop something, or fall? You approach the door, and it brings the cat into view: a skinny little stray who's been haunting the alleys around the neighborhood lately, occasionally dragging her little kittens around with her. Mr. Mechanic seems to have brought a bowl for her (two, you realize later -- one for water, too) piled with cat food, which she digs into greedily.

The glass muffles many of the words, but the low sound of his voice is obvious. You lean in enough to realize it's a lecture on the importance of keeping up strength and nutrition to look after babies.

You stifle the desire to laugh fondly, creeping back from the glass before Mr. Mechanic notices. Best make sure the sunflowers are well stocked and easy to find; they seem to be his favorite. They're on the house today, though he won't tell him why.