With the exception of Meyer, who she's sure will have found out with or without her, Ruby hasn't really told anyone what day it is. She's more than content for it to go by without any marking of it at all, except for the ritual that she's been practising for the last eight years, which only serves to make her feel more sad and disconnected rather than celebratory. She rests her elbow on the table, propping up her head in her hand and gazing out of the window, hoping that the night will pass quickly.

She doesn't even notice Al approach until he's right there next to her, addressing her by the nickname that only he's allowed to call her. She looks up in surprise and confusion, then manages a smile.

"I just felt like eating out for once."