Ali listens to Peter's angst

Allison Sandstrom gave Peter a smile as she entered. "Hi Peter!" she chirped. "How's it going?" Allison was possibly one of the kindest people Peter knew. She wasn't really a looker appearance wise, but something about the genuine compassion in her smile was always inviting. Naturally Peter wanted to open up to her. "I've had better days Ali..." Peter trailed off as he took a quick sip of his nasty draught. "Oh?" Peter cringed is face as he set his cup down "Nasty stuff, that. Oh, it's not really just one thing but several really. You know, late night at work yesterday, I'd hoped to have today off but they need me here again. Was hoping to spend some time with Sherry today. And then between kids that are sick or sick of listening to their parents..." he trailed off again and Allison smiled consolingly "That's awful, I'm sorry to hear your day is going so badly? Anything I can do to help?" Allison asked as she gently put a hand on his arm. Peter's face made a forced smile. "Nah, that's alright, I just needed to vent some." Peter's frustration at one event in particular wanted to bubble to the surface again "You know, sometimes I just wish..."