Hanako's 16th Birthday

The sharp-eyed woman glanced about the boisterous crowd whose lively chatter and laughter filled the little dim-lit tavern - her tavern.
Sophelia Donomae, or Miss Sophelia, as the regulars at this humble establishment called her, had been tending bar at this place ever since she and her husband had opened it, back when life seemed sunnier, simpler. Those youthful days had long since faded. Now a widow, Miss Sophelia occupied herself with the business of running her tavern, in order to provide for herself and her young daughter, Hanako.

In a moment or so Miss Sophelia would call her daughter down from the upstairs, where their bedrooms were. Usually Hanako would be waiting on the customers or washing dishes around this time, but her mother decided to give her a little time off today - for it was Hanako's birthday. She would be turning 16, and with that. . .

"Dear Miss Sophelia won't you please at least consider bringing us those Eabeers which have been sitting on the counter for the last five minutes?" The alien-born dancer Beatrice interrupted her thoughts.
"Of course," replied Sophelia, bringing the drinks. Beatrice snatched hers and drank it down hastily. "Where's that clumsy child of yours? Is she ill today, hm?"
Miss Sophelia wasn't one to tolerate talk like that from anyone, especially not from Beatrice who was always bringing dangerous folk in to the tavern. But she was used to Beatrice's curtness.
"Today is Hanako's birthday. She will be down in a while."