Technically, the lack of snow should have signalled to Andrew that it was a chance to check over the wiring of some of the more external parts, areas that wouldn’t have responded well to snow falling on their exposed innards. He’d spent the pervious hour checking over his work outdoors, bundled up in a heavy coat while his hands moved expertly over the wiring, occasionally having to redirect some or strip them, fix them, whatever it took to make sure that when he closed it back up, electricity was still running through it. Andrew doubted that his fiddling would be appreciated if it caused a loss of light and power, no matter how many times in the past the very same sort of fiddling had cut off problems before they could happen.

Even he couldn’t work the whole day through, no matter how much he honestly enjoyed his job or the way people generally didn’t try and make meaningless conversation with him when he was arm deep in wires and cables. It seemed to convey the impression that talking and being distracted would not be welcomed far better than his scowls or silences ever did. It wasn’t as though he always hated company but most of the time people didn’t get him and he didn’t get them.

Without the protection of his work to hide behind, Andrew couldn’t help but feel a little restless as he paused near the corner of the street and leaned against the wall in order to pull his gloves on. He wasn’t the only person about, most actually moving and now that he was still, Andrew could understand why as the ever present cold air brushed against his skin. Glancing idly around as he slipped the second glove on, his attention was drawn to the woman nearby who was taking photos of the buildings and streets.

It was rude to stare, but Andrew had never really got down the fine art of understanding people’s behaviour and if watching the dark haired woman indulge in her pastime helped him then he was more than willing to stare. If nothing else, he could appreciate the desire to have an ‘art’ for a hobby.