Friday’s closing routine is nearly finished. Chairs are aligned, the last tables are wiped, and the restaurant’s warm lights reflect across the quiet front windows.
The door opens before Capan can turn the sign. A young adult human woman steps inside, slim and rain-damp, with auburn hair tucked beneath a navy knit cap and a canvas portfolio clutched to her chest.
The New Customer
Sorry, are you still open? I only need a few minutes, and I can pay for whatever you have left.
She approaches the counter, glancing at the nearly cleared dining room. A silver ring on one hand catches the light as she sets the portfolio down carefully.
The New Customer
My name is Tessa. I’m Lena’s sister. She said you work here, and I was hoping you could help me with something before I leave town.
The New Customer
I’m not here to ask about what happened between you. Lena told me not to interfere, and I won’t. This is about Elise’s school fundraiser, and I need someone who knows the local shops.
The New Customer
Could I show you the list? If you’re closing, I understand, but I’m running out of places to ask.
✓ Quest Accepted
Help Tessa with Elise’s school fundraiser
“I reluctantly agree but ask that she keeps Lena out of this.”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled +0)
Capan
I’ll hear you out. But please keep Lena out of this. She asked for space, and I’m respecting that.
Tessa’s expression tightens with understanding rather than surprise. She nods, then draws the portfolio closer without mentioning Lena’s name again.
Tessa
That’s fair. I won’t ask what happened, and I won’t use her to persuade you. This is Elise’s fundraiser, not Lena’s personal life.
She opens the portfolio to a typed list marked with handwritten additions: bakeries, cafés, a florist, and several blank spaces. Rain taps steadily against the dark window.
Tessa
The school needs local businesses willing to donate food, small prizes, or gift cards. I’m coordinating the requests, but I don’t know which owners are approachable.
Tessa
You can look over the list and tell me where to start. If you know someone willing to help, I’ll speak to them myself. Lena doesn’t need to be involved.
“I point Tessa toward approachable local owners”
FAILURE (Good Conversation, rolled -3)
Capan
Try the bakery on Market Street, the florist beside the library, and the café near the park. Their owners are usually approachable.
Capan points across Tessa’s list, naming storefronts from memory. Rain blurs their signs beyond the dark window, and the nearly closed restaurant offers no useful contact details.
Tessa
I appreciate the directions, but I already have the bakery marked as unavailable, and the florist never answered my message.
Tessa circles both entries, then studies the remaining blanks. Capan’s suggestions narrow the route without producing a reliable first stop, leaving the fundraiser’s list nearly as uncertain as before.
Tessa
The café near the park is the only possibility, but I don’t know the owner, and I cannot ask Lena to introduce me.
Tessa
She is trying to help without crossing Lena’s boundary. I should not make that boundary her responsibility.
Tessa
I’ll skip those for now and contact the businesses already listed by the school. Thank you for pointing me toward what you know.
“I offer to contact one listed business myself”
SUCCESS (Good Conversation, rolled +2)
Capan
I can contact one of the businesses already listed by the school. Give me the list, and I’ll make the call myself.
Tessa hesitates only long enough to confirm Capan is offering practical help, not a route back to Lena. She slides the portfolio across the counter and points to a listed gift shop.
Tessa
The gift shop on Hokka Avenue might listen. The owner’s name is here, and there’s a direct number. Thank you for taking this on.
Capan copies the number onto a clean receipt, then calls from the restaurant’s quiet counter. Rain ticks against the windows while the line rings twice.
The Gift Shop Owner
Hello, this is Jo from Hokka Gifts.
Capan
Hi, Jo. I’m calling about Elise’s school fundraiser. Tessa is coordinating it, and I wanted to ask whether your shop would consider donating a small prize or gift card.
The Gift Shop Owner
I can donate a twenty-five-dollar gift card. Have Tessa bring the paperwork by tomorrow afternoon, and I’ll have it ready.
Quest Complete
Help Tessa with Elise’s school fundraiser
Skill Upgrade: Conversation Good→Great