-Raya-
The clatter of pans and hiss of the fryer had finally quieted.
It was nearly 8:05 when Debbie leaned over the counter and nudged a wrapped plate toward me. “Dinner, kid. Sit down for ten minutes, yeah? You earned it.”
I blinked at the sight—fries, a cheeseburger, and a small bowl of coleslaw. “Are you sure?”
“You think we’ll let our new dishwasher starve after surviving a Saturday dinner rush?” she grinned. “Sit. No arguments.”
My legs practically melted into the seat near the breakroom table. The burger wasn’t anything fancy—but after hours of steam and soap and standing, it tasted like something close to heaven. I barely realized how hungry I’d been.
As I ate, Debbie passed by again, collecting stray cups and humming. “You did great, by the way. Some people freeze up on thei
