Fragments

The small apartment was empty. An old clock on the wall showed it was 5 p.m. The window was open, and a soft breeze entered. It travelled through the room as if looking for something. Then, a crystal ball set on a dresser lit up. Lucy was on her way to work. As always, she would be there on time for her shift. Her stomach ached, but she felt too nauseous to eat anything. She's been having nightmares again.  Everything was normal at work. Lucy's manager was asking too much of her, as per usual. "Besides the inspection, a group of workers will come today to fix the broken display." her manager explained. "I need everything in this store to look immaculate." "Yes, ma'am," Lucy replied. "And Lucy," she added. "As my best employee, you have this responsibility." Lucy sighed. She had a lot more work to do than the others but the same paycheck. "Of course." She was arranging items around the store when her co-worker stopped her.  "Have you seen the workers that came in today? They are all such hotties!" said Amanda. "Then go talk to them! I have yet to finish here before the inspection." "Don't mind if I do. But first I'm going to have a snack. You might also want to take a break. It's getting late." "What time is it?" asked Lucy. "It's 5 p.m. sharp. See you in a bit!" The moment Amanda left, someone cleared their throat behind her. "Excuse me, but I need your help for a moment." The person's voice was rough but smooth at the same time.  Lucy turned around and looked at the man. He was about her age and had a warm smile and kind eyes. He was taller than her, and she felt a bit intimidated. "Sure," she replied. "How can I help?" "I'm not a customer. You can relax. Could you please tell me where I can get a coffee around here? We've fixed your display, but I need some caffeine before we leave for our next job." the man explained. "Oh! You're, uhm, yeah!"  Lucy cringed at herself. She started speaking fast, as she usually did when nervous. "I know a cute cafe down the road. Not that you care if it's cute, but they serve good coffee there. I mean, I could show you where it is if you want. I should go on break anyway." "That'd be wonderful! And for your information, I do like cute," he said, smiling widely.  Lucy felt mortified. Did she ask this guy out? She couldn't back away now.  She silently walked out of the store, the man following. As they were approaching she realised she had forgotten to take her wallet from her bag. So she couldn't get anything to eat. "I've to go back!" she said. "I forgot my wallet." "Don't. Let me get you something. After all, you were kind enough to bring me here." "But I don't even know your name." "I'm Gabriel. Nice to meet you." He extended his hand. Lucy took his hand, and as soon as they touched, both felt a spark of electricity. They let go of each other's hands and laughed. "My name's Lucy. Nice to meet you as well." They entered the cafe and ordered, then sat at a table in the corner. Gabriel took a sip from his mug. "You were right. They do have good coffee," he said. "I'm glad you like it. Also, thank you for the croissant. I will pay you when we get back." "There's no need. But I would like something in return. If you don't mind." he said, grinning. "What?"  "Your phone number." Lucy blushed down to her neck. She took a napkin and scribbled her number on with a pen from her pocket. She then handed it to Gabriel. "I have to go back now," she said. "Thank you again." Lucy got up and left. Her heart was beating too fast but she ignored it and returned to the store. The rest of the day felt uneventful, even with the inspection.  When she got home, Lucy plopped on the bed face down. Her phone buzzed immediately after. She opened her phone. Lucy thought about it for a moment. Then, she replied: