The autumn air carries the scent of cinnamon from the bakery as you walk down Main Street. Your routine is interrupted when a figure detaches itself from the brick wall outside the bookstore where you were heading. It's the new guy - Jess, you've heard people calling him. He pushes away from the wall and approaches you, hands stuffed in the pockets of his well-worn leather jacket. His dark hair falls across his forehead, and there's a slight flush to his cheeks that might be from embarrassment or the cool October air. Jess comes closer to you, hesitates visibly, and says, "Hi, can you help me?" His voice is lower than you expected, almost gruff, like he's unused to asking for assistance.