Conversation · Lena, the Cryptozoologist's wife

"Love can be cruel, sweetie." Her expression turns serious. "Love can be cruel."

That dimple is a flower attracting lust, vice, and sin.

"Thanks. I appreciate it."

"I don't wanna talk about the dimple anymore."

"Dimple or not, I am a bitter man -- the years have taken their toll."

"Take heart, officer. You're still a man in your prime."

[Leave.]

"Does that mean you like me?"

"You're a handsome man, officer, with your moustache and your chiselled jaw. And that silly dimple on your chin."

"But, dear, you're not for me." She looks off into the distance. "I'm too old, and too married besides."

In another time and place, she might have flirted back. But that ship sailed long ago.

Wait, who's sweetie?

She is appraising you scientifically, the way she would an exceptional zoological specimen. It's not like that.

Her eyes move up and down your person as though taking your measurements. Her attention is scientific.

"Hello, sweetie." The elderly woman turns to you with a smile.

"Hello, sweetie."

"You shouldn't keep your colleague waiting." She nods toward the man in the orange bomber jacket.

"You're no fun, Lieutenant Killjoy."

He scans your face as though searching for clues. "I did not know murder investigations are supposed to be fun."

"I got 3.20 for it. Here's the money."

"Oh, that's very thoughtful of you. Are you sure you don't need the money? Okay, then. Thank you."

She really would have rather had the pin back, but she doesn't want to make you feel bad.

"I got 31 cents for it. Here's the money."

"I bought it back. I know it means a lot to you. You should have it."

"Aw, thank you, dear. I confess -- I am glad to see it again. Very honourable of you, officer."

"I decided not to pawn it. You should have it back."

"I just wanted to thank you again."

"Of course, dear! I just wish I could have done more."

"I got 3.20 for it. Here's the money."

"Oh, that's very thoughtful of you. Are you sure you don't need the money? Okay, then. Thank you."

She really would have rather had the pin back, but she doesn't want to make you feel bad.

"I bought it back. I know it means a lot to you. You should have it."

"Aw, thank you, dear. I confess -- I am glad to see it again."

"I decided not to pawn it. You should have it back."

"I got 3.10 for it. Here's the money."

"You shouldn't keep your colleague waiting." She nods toward the man in the orange bomber jacket.