“So…” Ruby said awkwardly, “I'm curious as to what all of your ‘stories’ are. I mean, if you’re alright with telling me.” Everyone’s eyes lit up a little at that idea. They all expressed silent approval, and even Sequel seemed to flinch for a half second, though that could very well have just been a trick of the firelight.

          “First let us eat.” Duenna advised, “Otherwise we could very well forget to altogether. It wouldn't be the first time.” The others agreed to this and Duenna disappeared for a moment, returning with a can of beans and some cracked and dirty bowls and spoons. The Group took their small bowls of beans and a sixth bowl was placed at Ruby’s feet.

          Everyone began to eat, except for Sequel who just sat and stared with the bowl in his lap. Motif put a bandaged hand on his shoulder.

            “Hey, Sequel, buddy, you have to eat now, okay?” Motif said gently. Very slowly, Sequel turned his head to Motif and nodded. He looked down at the bowl and spoon, and then to the book in his hand, and then back and forth again. Motif’s battered face creased.

          “You need both hands to eat this.” He said, softly, but firmly. Sequel’s face pinched and his lip quivered for a moment, before he reluctantly put the book very tightly between his knees. His face didn’t relax entirely until everyone finished eating and put the bowls aside, and he was able to return his precious book to its home, pressed hard against his chest.

          After eating, everyone seemed to be in a slightly better mood. Agony swung one leg over the other and carefully rested back on her hands, careful not to fall backwards off the ratty cloth draped over a half a trashcan she was sitting on.

          “So!” Agony said with grandiosity, “Who wants to go first?”

          “You do.” Motif and Thesis said in unison. Duenna started laughing, and Ruby joined in.

         “Yeah, yeah, alright.” Agony said after the laughter died, “If all of you insist, I guess I can go first.”

          “Your attitude bears some of the hallmarks of a textbook sociopath.” Thesis mumbled.

          “Eat shit, shitwig.” Agony said angrily, though she was smiling. “And shut up. You're all gonna shut up and I’m going to talk for a long-ass time.” She threw her hands into the air. Duenna scoffed, but she didn’t sound like her heart was in it.

          “Well, I’m ready to hear it, I think.” Said Ruby politely.

          “Oh, you think, do you?” Thesis bit.

          “Yeah, I bet she just wants to hear all about you, Aggs!” Motif grinned. Agony lifted up her middle finger and pointed it around to the entire group, a huge smile on her face. Duenna shielded her eyes, and Thesis groaned. Motif giggled and elbowed Sequel, who clutched his book tighter, but other than that, didn’t move.

          “Alright, I’m gonna tell my story, and if anyone interrupts me, I’m going to shove their face in the fire.” Everyone grumbled in agreement. Agony rested her elbows on her knees and arched her shoulders down. She hung her head before looking back up into the fire, and began to speak.