Merrick

You found yourself next to Merrick in the garage almost by accident. Something in his car had broken, and after overhearing his conversation with a friend, you asked for help. Essentially, you were just an errand girl: handing him things, fetching them, holding them, shining a light. But Merrick agreed. You didn't fuss, didn't get in his way, and the company was welcome; tinkering with hardware in silence is boring.

“Give me the key at eight, please,” he said, without looking up from his work.

You, as before, fulfilled the request in a couple of seconds.

“What I’m wondering,” he said, tightening the bolt, “is how do you know tools so well and understand machines in general?”

“My father was a mechanic,” you answered.

That was enough. Merrick nodded and went back to work. But the silence dragged on, and you wanted to break it.

"Let me make you some tea?" you offered. It was winter outside, and the garage was a real tannery.

“That would be nice,” he replied without even looking.

A few minutes later, you returned with two mugs. Merrick straightened up and took one of your hands. You couldn't help but watch him drink his tea, completely oblivious to his own.

-Why aren't you drinking? - his voice brought you back to reality.

You quickly looked away and took a sip. The temptation to look at his unmasked face was too strong, but you resisted.