Crumble When You Cry

Episode 5

Episode 5:  You're What Hurts.

"Wow... Windinburg seems so much more pleasant than our town." Pit sighed.

"Definitely... it's a perfect Coast City." Richter replied.

They had just made it to the town, as they were driving down a road right by the beach. Pit, in the front passenger seat, had his head slightly poking out of the car, looking around at the perfect environment.

Richter happily drove, observing the colorful buildings that were on the roadside.

The grass was greener here. It seemed like the sky was a nicer blue, too. The buildings and shops were all perfect, a bit old-looking, but perfect. The beach was nicer, too. Less crowded and less garbage.

They had stopped in a parking lot at the back of a tall building. They hopped out of the car, Pit quickly putting on his blue jacket as they headed towards the town.

"Hey, Ricky?"

"Yeah, Pit?"

"Why do you visit Windinburg so much? I remember once there was even a school day you missed because you were here."

Richter sighed. He sounded content.

"Besides the fact that I have to pick up Simon's packages here... it's so much nicer here. The place and the people. More people like you, Pit." Richter explained.

"Is it less stressful here?"

"Definitely."

There was a short silence. No exchanged glances, accidental nudges, just two normal fellows walking along the sidewalk.

"Is Simon stressing you out?"

Silence...

"What do you mean?"

Richter asked. A melodramatic tone taking over him as he didn't even turn to Pit when he spoke.

"Rick... I know he's giving you a hard time... trust me, I know it when I see it, but—"

"How do you know when you see it?"

"Is that the point here?!"

"...sorry... go on."

Pit sighed. "I see how stressed you've been... and you seem to be a lot more timid with Simon around. Look, I'm not forcing you to tell me each and every detail or anything, but I just need you to know that you aren't necessarily alone in this situation."

Richter could only keep his gaze on the road in front of him.

"I know..." was all that he could say. Pit only nodded as they continued walking.

"But how are you doing?" Richter asked.

Pit felt a bit surprised at the question. This wasn't a question is friends would normally ask, and he didn't exactly have an answer prepared.

"Fine? Everything's fine." Pit forced a smile as he quickly glanced at Richter, who looked down at the angel. Pit knew that Richter was well-aware of his actual state of mind, but apparently, that was a discussion for another day.

The duo walked into a small shop. It was another perfect addition to the perfect town, even with it's aged look. The blue paint on the outside of the shop was chipping away, some brown wood taking its place. The flooring inside the shop was more splintery wood and again, the white wooden counter was chipping away, too. An oldish man with a long, gray, curly beard was behind the counter. The man looked up at the two.