Ernest enjoyed his walks in the park, especially during his days off. The day being so nice and calm didn’t hurt the man either. He soon spotted his favorite bench and felt like sitting down. Taking a seat, he gazed at the view in front of him. A couple of small animals such as squirrels and rabbits were around. There were a few birds not far from the bench as well.

He wished he had brought some bread so he could feed them. His chuckled about how his life would scold him lightly if she knew he didn’t bring any. When his eyes went up, he spotted a familiar face.

Polly was walking along with what looked to be someone else in a mask. Another woman. Her pumpkin mask being different from Polly’s own gas mask.

“Hello there!” The old man called out. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Polly heard him and looked over to see Ernest giving her a friendly wave with a smile on his face.

Dolly just stood there for a moment before turning to Polly. “Is he talking to you?”

“Yeah…he is,” Polly said, beginning to walk over. She stopped and turned back to her friend. “You coming?”

Dolly stood still for a moment again.

“Dolly?” Polly was a bit concerned. Given that Dolly was wearing her mask, she couldn’t see the expression on her friend’s face. She couldn’t help but wonder what the artist was thinking.

“I’m coming,” Dolly said after a few more moments before beginning to follow.

Polly continued her walk to Ernest. Once she reached the older man, she took a seat next to him. “Hi Ernest.”

“Glad to see you,” Ernest smiled at Polly. “How have you been, Polly?”

“I’ve been fine,” Polly replied. “I was just hanging out with my friend.”

“Ah yes, I was just about to mention your friend here,” Ernest turned his attention to the artist next to Dolly. “Who might you be?”

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He didn’t get an answer right away. Instead, Dolly seemed to just stare at him. A bit had passed and Ernest had begun to feel uneasy, but as he begun to say something else to try and change the subject, the woman finally answered.

“Dolly.”

Ernest blinked a couple of times. “Dolly, huh? At that something. Polly and Dolly. Nice little thing you two have going on there. I’m sure it makes whatever bond you two have feel extra special.”

“Well…we haven’t none each other for very long,” Polly pointed out. “We just met. We had dinner and found out we both have some things in common.”

“Oh?” Ernest gave a look of curiosity. “What might you two have in common?”

“The big thing is we both want to help the town,” Polly said.

Hearing that brought a smile to Ernest’s face. “Another hero, huh?” His eyes looked at Dolly once again. “Well Dolly, let me be the first to say I appreciate you being willing to help Polly here make our little town a better place.”

“No problem,” Dolly said. Though the way she said it, there seemed to be a dry tone.

“You know, I’m actually really glad we ran into you,” Polly said. The enthusiasm was practically oozing through her mask.

Ernest’s curiosity was peaked once again. “Oh? What makes you say that?”

Polly could tell that the old man wasn’t sure why she would be looking for him. Only fitting that she fill that blank for him.

She looked to Dolly first however. “Alright if I tell him what we’ve been talking about.

Dolly shrugged, quicker than when she gave any of the answers Ernest had asked for. “I don’t see why not.”

Polly nodded and began talking to Ernest again, “Well Dolly sorta doesn’t have the…best view when it comes to the people of this town. I know a lot of them can be a bit…”

“Moronic? Pathetic?” Ernest finished, and a look of annoyance over Polly’s treatment came to his face.

A small smirk came to Dolly’s face. “Looks like you get me there, geezer.”

“Hey now, I’m not that old,” Ernest chuckled. “I’ve mentioned the name’s Ernest, right?”

“Polly mentioned your name when she first sat down,” Dolly replied. “You know what though? I have something for you?”

“Huh? For me?” Ernest asked. He saw Polly chuckling a bit. She knew exactly what it was. Ernest, however, was still wondering. “What could that be?”

Dolly’s attention went to her sketch as she began to get to work.

“Oh…so she’s an artist?” Ernest asked Polly.

Polly nodded. “Yep! She draws like you wouldn’t believe, Ernest. Whatever she’s cooking up for you, you’re gonna love it.”

Dolly looked at Ernest a couple of times before the sketch was finished. Once she was done, she ripped the paper off the pad and handed it to him.

“Holy!” Was all Ernest could say as he looked at the sketch of himself. His eyes couldn’t believe it. It was like he was looking into a mirror. “This is…truly outstanding!” He set the sketch down on his lap as he looked at Dolly. “You’ve got some talent, young lady.”

“I’ve been drawing ever since I first picked up a pencil,” Dolly said proudly. “It’s always been my life. What makes me the most happy.” She looked away. “I truly don’t know where I’d be without it…”

“I know where I’d be,” Ernest said. This caused Dolly to turn back to him. “Living a life without this amazing sketch! Good thing you kept at it!”

Polly laughed softly at that.

“You know? I was just about to head back to my place after a few minutes sitting here,” Ernest said. “Why don’t you two come? I’m sure my wife would love to see you again, Polly. You remember Gianna, right?”

“I do,” Polly nodded her head. She had saved her from a mugging and she remembered Gianna being really appreciative and nice. “We would love to see her and your home.”

“Then let’s go,” Ernest replied with a smile.