It was ten minutes to closing and Stuart was anxious. More anxious than his usual jumpy self. The reason being because this was the night he was finally going to do it. The night he had only talked about to his many therapists. Tonight, Stuart was going to kill himself.

He had no friends, no girlfriend, and his family barely cared that he existed. His home was a small apartment full of comic books with a single mattress. The shop only made enough money to just make ends meet. The only companion he had now that Howard had returned was the stray cat who showed up for dinner sometimes. Still, it was enough to help him finally make up his decision to end it all.

It was now five minutes to closing and he was still open on the off chance that Sheldon Cooper, his insane regular, came in at the last second. Instead of Sheldon, though, it was a beautiful woman. A beautiful young woman with wild black hair and a pair of cute hipster glasses. She looked absolutely entranced as she took in her surroundings.

"Welcome," Stuart said softly.

"H-Hi! Sorry if I seemed rude for just coming in without saying hi or asking if you were open."

"It's alright and yes, we're open. Look around for as long as you want."

"Really? Yay! Thank you!"

The overly excited customer skipped and danced gracefully from shelf to shelf as she browsed. Stuart scanned her silently. She was quite short, but very cute. Her clothes resembled an anime character, long-sleeved white shirt with baggy pants and Converse. The type of girl that he saw more in public libraries than in comic shops. Still, it was refreshing to see a cute girl that wasn't in a relationship every once in a while.

It was twenty minutes before she finally came to the counter with various comic books and trinkets. She smiled endearingly at Stuart as he bagged everything.

"By the way, my name is Violet. But everyone calls me Bunny."

"My name is Stuart. Everyone calls me Stuart. Your total is 109.80 and will that be cash or credit?"

"Cash is all I carry, sweetheart. Here ya' go."

The pixie-like girl handed him a two hundred dollar bills and smiled brightly. He went to return the change, but she handed him a note instead. Then she picked up her bag and left swiftly. Stuart opened the note, his heart fluttering at the graceful writing.

Super-

I was going to pass this shop today like I always do on my way home from work, but today something caught my eye. A downcast hero begging for someone to see him, someone to notice. Because, you know, even superheroes get lonely sometimes. I always see you but am always too afraid to say hello. Terrified of scaring you away. But something told me to come in today to say hi. Whatever it was, I hope I helped.

-Your damsel

At the very bottom were a phone number and an IM name. For once in his life, Stuart wasn't contemplating suicide. The opposite was on his mind, actually. Tonight, he would go home, add her into his IM contact list, and get a good night's sleep. It was pleasant to know that an actual girl liked him for once.

The next day, he went through his usual routine of getting up and opening the shop. It was around one when a blur of curls and silk rushed in, dropped a bag on the counter, and left. On a sticky note was an apology for not being able to eat lunch together due to work signed by Violet. Inside the bag were two pieces of baked chicken, a small box of mashed potatoes, and mixed veggies. Stuart took a break to eat them in the back room.

She did not show up today, so he went home and IM'd her. There was an almost instant reply.

LolitaRaver: Sorry, I couldn't swing by today, work had me stay late.

CBGStu: All is forgiven. How was work?

LolitaRaver: Rough, but worth it. How about you?

CBGStu: Very slow. Thank you for the food btw.

LolitaRaver: No problem! You looked hungry and I made too much for just me and Benjamin last night.

His heart sank. Finally, after all these years, he had found a beautiful girl that liked him and she was taken by a guy named Benjamin. Thoughts of depression clashed with rage within the dark caverns of his mind.

CBGStu: I have to go. Chat later?

LolitaRaver: Okay :( bye! See you tomorrow.

Snapping his laptop shut, Stuart walked over to his only cabinet and pulled out a knife. He rolled up his sleeve to expose many cuts and scars from over the years. Sneering, he slid the knife over an empty spot right above his wrist until it bled. Then, he cleaned everything up, wrapped a bandage around, and went to bed.