a's

the counter read 6:01 PM. One minute late, but in this place, it might as well be an hour. My manager,

s booming voice echoed fr

Preston! Won't happen again," I cal

ne moving about like ants in a colony. I squeezed past

se, Emma," she

d, shrugging off my jacket

quipped before disapp

ose strings brushed my leg as I slipped into my comfortable but worn-out sneakers. My reflection in

chatter and the clinking of glasses filled the air. It was the usual crowd-a mix of office workers

mma," Grace called out, alrea

grabbing my notepad an

dn't take lo

ch a breath, another customer at the counter was snapping their fingers impatiently. My pen skidded acr

waiting for ages!" a ma

h you, sir," I sai

osing in. I carried trays of drinks and plates back and fo

rab this order," shouted Liam, on

aving through the maze of tables

stered on a smile, even as customers kept piling on complaints. One wanted extra sauce,

rang out again. "The count

though my voice soun

ind the counter. "They're insatiable tonight

ouring a soda with one hand and g

, especially toward the mountain of responsibilities waiting for me after my shift. But in the whirlwind o

t ached, my back felt like it had been twisted into knots, and my uni

face equally tired but still wearing that easy sm

shaking my head

tomorrow, Emma.

to the cool night air. The city lights flickered like stars, and f

, but tomorrow was a new day. And s

hly brewed coffee wafted through the house, instantly making me want to retreat into the solitude of my room. The warmth of the

r couch, a glass of whiskey in his hand. He was talking animatedly with his second wife, Helena. She had always b

on quickly returned to the conversation at hand, c

wine, her sharp eyes narrowing as she caught sight of

ponse. Instead, I chose to ignore her as I alway

's room, I heard it. Her voice-sharp,

e new ones," she screeched at the mai

sound of a door slamming followed shortly after, but I could imagine the scene. Bianca, in her over

uttered under my bre

than necessary, so I hurried up the

long, drawn-out sigh. My face turned toward the ceiling, staring at the famili

-stop chaos, and my mind

ness. I didn't know who it was for, but the sight made me restless. Without thinking

dn't help but let out another tired sigh. There was a part

asked, his voice brin

e backseat, letting the darkness and the