"This must be the vampire boy!" Emma cheered as soon as Aust entered through the front door of the shop.

   "Wow!" The young girl with him glanced around, starry-eyed. "So beautiful."

   The young boy seemed in awe too.

   "Vera, uh, Emma, this is my brother Albert and my sister Aria."

   "You didn't tell me you have a little sister too! Oh my gosh," Emma kneeled down to pat Aria on the head. "I have to call Cory to bring me Mel's costumes."

   "It's alright," Aust started to say.

   "I get a costume too?" Aria cut him off, already too excited.

   "Of course!" Emma gleefully answered.

   "Were you going to leave her to a babysitter?" I asked Aust when the kids left to follow Emma to get measured.

   He didn't so much as glance at me when he responded with a vague 'yes'.

   I am an only child. I grew up in a pretty affluent family. I'd never known hardship until I became an orphan at 19. Fortunately, my parents left enough to secure my future. All I ever was troubled by were things that normal kids were often troubled by like relationships, my major, and all the other life events that happen to most. But Aust was different.

   He was left to raise two kids.

   We both watched Emma take care of them, giving them the utmost attention and choices they could possibly have for Halloween costumes. They seemed eager to make their own decisions which I assumed was seldom available.

   Meanwhile, Aust looked to be struggling with the interaction.

   "Are you alright?" I whispered to him.

   He briefly glanced and nodded.

   I guess, he wasn't up for conversation today. So, I got up to prepare brunch for everyone.

   Often, on the days the store is under construction for the gala, there were fewer customers. Many of the regulars opt to order to go even when they usually never do. We also receive new and young guests during this time. The spirit of Halloween brings in all sorts of people.

   Today was a quiet day with only a few customers who minded their own.

   "Do they have any allergies?" I asked when I spotted Aust following behind me.

   "No."

   "Okay."

   He seemed fidgety, but I didn't want to be the first to mention anything. I'm not very good at walking on eggshells, so I avoid it instead. Maybe he's the same.

   "I can make the sandwiches," Aust took the bread from me. "You can go back."

   Softly smiling, I said, "Your siblings are a guest to me. It's only right that the boss let her employee enjoy this time off."

   "But I'm on the clock. Are you saying, I don't get paid today?" His hands trembled and his eyes shifted, already his mind calculating expenses.

   "No, no.” My hands flailed about as I tried to calm his mind.

   Maybe explaining would be better.

   “I just want to show my hospitality to my employee's family. You don't have to think too deeply about it." I placed a hand on his own to calm him. "Truly, you do still get your paycheck for today. I promise"

   "Then, I should work." He concluded a moment later.

   “Of course,” I sighed loudly in response. "Aust, please, I'll consider this as your lunch break. Is that better?"

   He didn't say anything.

   "Go back and sit with your siblings."

   I took the bread, now crushed, and turned him around. With a bit of a push, he walked away.

   Maybe, I wasn't aware enough of the differences in people, and the hardships we go through. Maybe, I'd been too complacent with my own situation and those I choose to surround myself with. Perhaps, I'd been too inconsiderate.

   Whatever the cause, I hadn't seen this coming.