When we got to the diner, I made a beeline for Mrs. Smith's office to apologize for being late. "No, it's okay, it's okay," she assured me, her voice warm and understanding.
Despite her kindness, I felt compelled to explain myself. I was still new, only a week into the job, and already worried about making a bad impression. Surprisingly, Mrs. Smith seemed to understand my anxiety and brushed off my concerns with a smile.
I spent the rest of the shift doing everything I could to forget the tumultuous night I'd had. As I wiped down tables and took orders, I tried to focus solely on my tasks, pushing away the memories that threatened to overwhelm me.
When my shift finally ended, I was startled to see Sarah waiting for me outside the diner. "Hey, I thought you had already left," I said, my
