Slow down a minute stranger. Did you forget about the toll?

The stranger pauses, turning to the voice from the booth.
Walking back he begins to fish around in his pockets before the voice begins again.

Oh, did I say there was a toll? My mistake. An old habit.

The stranger frowns. He waits a second, then turns to go, before the voice rings out once more.

But I can’t let you go without a proper welcome.

Ahem.

May I ask why you’ve decided to visit our fair city?

The stranger freezes, stifling a cough as his breath catches in his throat. For a moment it seems like he might turn back the way he came, as he turns to look at the path he has traveled. But as the shadowy figure in the booth begins to lazily tap their fingers against the counter in a silent rhythm, the stranger starts to breathe again. His composure returning, he says in a halting tone.

Business. I’m here on business. A business trip.

Ahh, business. I could have figured. Everything comes down to business, doesn’t it?

The stranger adjusts his suit, straightening the cuffs and fiddling with its buttons. Now that there is no question of a toll he seems to have tuned out the figure in the booth entirely, a fact that does not go unnoticed.

Well look at me, prattling on like an old fool. I won’t hold you up any longer.

Enjoy your stay in Travesty, I hope you find it to your liking.

Taking his cue to leave, the stranger races down the path, leaving behind the booth and escaping the steady gaze of the figure within.