Chapter Text
The day was gray as any other London evening, a storm brewing in the distance as the clouds slowly would turn from stone gray to a shade of dark charcoal. The streets darken as small drops of rain began to descend and wet the sidewalks, some falling upon a small newly painted sign outside a shop reading “Pendleton’s Automaton Clinic”, overly wordy and pretentious just as the owner liked it. The door opened with the jingle of a dent less bell, the owner, a tall and thin man with a pale complexion and long oil black hair stood up both stunned by the ringing bell and excitement of the prospect of his first customer,
“Good evening, and welcome to Pendleton's Automaton-”
She stopped as he finally saw who it was, and his ego immediately deflated like a led balloon. An elderly wealthy looking woman walked carrying in a grudge larger than her love, her eyes glaring at the state of the newly opened shop and never falling upon the man at the desk.
“I see you’ve settled in well…”
She said with no affection in her voice, now on the other side of the desk as the man looked as if he wanted to disappear and or melt away than be anywhere near her.
“No customers yet? I wish I could say that was surprising, you chose the worst day to open, a storm is coming in quickly so don't expect anyone to come pay a pity visit, dear…”
She says as she runs a gloved finger over the desk and rubs the dust from her digit.
“I suppose I might have gotten ahead of myself…”
The man admits as he adjusts his glasses looking away for a moment, as if making eye contact with this woman would cause him to implode.
“I must say it is a bold choice to include our family name in your little… Hobby shop. You do understand if you are mistaken then you will put a stain on the Pendleton name and reputation...?”
The woman says her chin up high as she continues to give the shop a once over, every second making the man shrink in his chair.
“Yes, Mother… I understand…”
He nods, his hands clammy as he holds his knees like a child getting scolded. The woman takes a moment to take it in, then sighed.
“I must be off now, dear. I’ve decided I want to visit the tailor shop down the street before the storm gets worse…”
She said as she begins adjusting her coat and prepping her umbrella,
“You mean the one that also opened today? I wouldn't think they'd have any customers either…”
The man said, a bit envious of their customer count compared to his. Or rather. Lack thereof. The woman looked back.
“Victor, they are doing the community a better service than your tacky little nicknack shop.”
Were her last words ice cold as she exited the shop, the bell jiggling once again yet solemnly now. Victor sighed as he slumped in his chair, his long hair pooling over the back of the chair as he looked at the ceiling. His thoughts are drowned out by the rhythmic pitter patter of rain drops drumming against the roof. It was eating him up that no one had come on opening day, he ran a hand through his hair as he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.
“Perhaps tomorrow will be better…”
He sighed as he walked to the door and glanced outside, seeing how desolate the streets were. Biting his pride, he flipped the open sign to close and retreated up to his apartment above the shop. Looking back one last time as he prematurely called it a night.