"Yeah?" It did make sense. From what Savannah could tell -and, granted, things had been hectic enough in her life that she wasn't exactly keeping abreast of the news- plenty of folks were migrating back to their home towns. The tensions had been particularly awful in New York, as could probably be expected, but there probably weren't many places that were getting on [i]well.[/i] The sudden appearance of shit like you'd only ever expect to see on TV in real life, all around you, did that.

Knowing that he probably didn't any more meaning beyond courtesy than she had, she kept her answer just as short. "Things have been 'bout as good as they can be. Glad to be home." As she spoke, she followed his gaze towards the door. As a child, she'd thought Haye's main street friendly and idyllic. It seemed like just the sort of happy little place where you could settle down and live a quiet, comfortable life, surrounded by kind neighbors and a supportive community. After she'd moved there as a teenager, she became a bit disillusioned with it all, and towards the end of high school it just seemed so small in comparison with the rest of the world. And now... It was scary. People were certainly keeping up the charade of going about things normally because, well, what else could you do? But the fear and suspicion were every, bubbling right under the surface.

Nearly lost to her thoughts and worries, it took Savannah a second to process what Brian said. "Yeah?" She repeated, absently, "Real shame." She knew that what he'd said [i]should[/i] concern her a lot more. Less business meant less tips. But, for the first time in a very long time, money wasn't very high on her list of priorities. It wasn't like the grandfather who'd raised her was asking for rent, after all. For once in her life she wished that money was the biggest problem she had to deal with again. Being broke was a problem she could throw herself at and, if she worked enough hours at enough jobs, manage just fine. She didn't know what to do with society going to hell in a hand basket. From the looks of it, nobody did.

The conversation felt like it had puttered off to its natural end. Just as well; an older man walked in and towards the bar, pulling Brian's attention in the way. Savannah took the chance to approach the single occupied booth, briefly introduce herself and explain that their old waitress had gone home and that she'd be taking care of them for the rest of her night, and clear away an empty wing basket. One of the men had claimed to recognize her; "I'm Joey, remember?! I was a freshman when you were a senior. My girlfriend back then was a cheerleader, too..." He continued until she feigned a recognition. So many faces from back them all ran together.

She brought the empty basket to the back, and let John know that they'd need another dozen.

[@HeySeuss]