"Yeah! I bet it'll be back to normal by tomorrow, though, or at least after a few days. That's how things usually work around here, after all."

She notices that dodge and the way his smile wilts somewhat, but she doesn't comment, not wanting to tread down a path of conversation he'd rather leave untouched. She knows how hard things can get in a city like this.

"I bet you would, the week before Christmas! A bunch of people were probably doing last minute shopping, stuff they were too busy to pick up or that slipped their mind, I guess. Do you get a bonus if there's more sales than normal?"