[TW: Mention of abusive parental behavior, i.e. Noel's father.]
Though the general activity level is low, it seems to have picked up a bit now that it's evening, as people got tired of sitting in their house all day. The risk is minimal anyway, as the readings indicate the Fray won't be powerful enough to open until tomorrow at the earliest. So the beach outside their hotel is moderately crowded when Noel and Jade get there, just enough to not feel dead, and most of the bars and restaurants are open.
They find themselves at a rustic-looking seafood place on the boardwalk and ask to be seated on the outdoor deck suspended over the water. It's private enough that Jade feels comfortable taking his hat off and pushing his sunglasses up once the server has taken their orders. Noel lowers the hood of his sweatshirt, glancing around nervously at the few other people on the deck. None of them seem interested in the couple by the railing so he forces himself to relax.
