Season 01, Chapter 01
Season 01, Chapter 01
The beginning of the university year is fast approaching, with barely a month left. To settle in quickly and smoothly, I decided to leave my family early for the big city.
Dawn colors the sky with pink hues as I descend the stairs, suitcase in hand. My parents are already up, their faces bearing the signs of a sleepless night. Mom, her eyes glistening, tries to hide her emotions behind a fragile smile.
Mom: Do you have everything? Ethan, your train ticket, your wallet? (she says with tears in her eyes)
Ethan: Yes, Mom. Thank you for everything.
Dad: We're proud of you, you know. This is a big step.
Ethan: I know, Dad. I'll do my best to succeed.
My little sister, still in her pajamas, joins me, wrapping her arms around my waist.
Sophie: I'm going to miss you, Ethan.
Ethan: I'll miss you too, little sister. I promise I'll come back often.
The taxi is waiting outside, its engine softly purring. I take a deep breath, turning one last time towards my family. I give them a big final hug and get into the taxi, my eyes fixed on them. Words are unnecessary; their looks say it all.
"I love you," I manage to shout before the driver pulls away.
As we drive away, I look out the window, imprinting every detail of this morning in my memory. A new adventure awaits me, but a part of me stays here with them.
Later, the driver drops me off at the station, and within five minutes, we depart for the city.
The train slows as we approach the station. My heart races, a mix of excitement and nervousness blended with curiosity and joy. The city sprawls before me, vast and intimidating. I step off the train, dragging my suitcase behind me, and head towards the building where I've rented a room. My new place is modest but welcoming. I unpack my things, trying to make this space feel a bit more familiar. Just as I'm about to hang a poster on the wall, there's a knock at my door.
I open it and see a smiling young man with round glasses and a stack of books under his arm.
Lucas: Hi, I'm Lucas, Lucas Nakamura. (he says, extending his hand) I'm your neighbor across the hall. My room is right opposite yours.
Ethan: I'm Ethan Zhang. Nice to meet you, Lucas.
Lucas: Need a hand with settling in?
I gratefully accept, and in no time, we've finished organizing my stuff. Lucas is chatty and friendly.
Lucas: You know, there's a part-time job that might interest you.
Ethan: Oh really? What's it about?
Lucas: The café down the street, LE PURE CAFE, is looking for baristas. The hours are flexible, and the pay is good. Plus, it's a great way to meet people and fit in.
Ethan: That sounds interesting. Do you work there too?
Lucas: Yes, since last year. The boss is nice, and so are the colleagues. I can introduce you if you want.
Ethan: That would be great, thank you.
Lucas: No problem. Come by LE PURE CAFE tomorrow morning, and I'll introduce you to the boss.
The next morning, I head to LE PURE CAFE, the café Lucas told me about. The place is charming, with a warm atmosphere and enchanting coffee aromas. Lucas greets me as soon as I walk in.
Lucas: Hey, Ethan! Come on, I'll introduce you to the boss.
The owner, Mr. Lim, is a cheerful man in his forties. Lucas quickly introduces us, and I find myself explaining why I'm interested in the job.
Mr. Lim: We always need motivated baristas. You'll mainly be making coffee, serving customers, and occasionally doing deliveries. Does that sound good to you?
Ethan: Yes, that sounds perfect.
Mr. Lim has me fill out some forms, and after a brief training session, I'm ready to start. My first task is to deliver an order to a nearby office. Lucas gives me some tips before I head out. He also showed me how to use the GPS and mentioned that I should change my old phone as soon as possible since it’s quite outdated.
Lucas: Here, take this insulated bag. Deliveries are pretty straightforward. Just make sure the drinks stay hot and the customers get what they ordered.
Ethan: Thanks, Lucas. I'll do my best.
The city is still new to me, but with my phone in hand, I easily find the address. I deliver the coffees, receive a generous tip, and return to the café with a sense of satisfaction.
Lucas: So, how did it go?
Ethan: Great, the customers were happy.
Mr. Lim: Well done, Ethan. Welcome aboard.
A month has passed since I arrived in the city. I've settled into my apartment, gotten the hang of things at the café, and classes have just started. The campus is vast, full of life and energy.
Today, after a morning of intense classes, I head to the campus cafeteria for a quick lunch. I grab a tray and start selecting my dishes. The cafeteria is crowded, and I weave through the tables in search of an empty seat. Then everything changes. As I turn around, my tray collides with that of a young woman. Our food flies, drinks spill, and we both end up soaked in soda.
Mia: Oh no! I'm really sorry!
Ethan: It's nothing, it's as much my fault as yours.
We hurriedly start picking up the mess, our hands brushing against each other several times. I notice her long black hair and her eyes sparkling with mischief despite the awkward situation.
Mia: I'm Mia, Mia Sato. Really, I'm sorry about this.
Ethan: Nice to meet you, Mia. I'm Ethan. And don't worry, these things happen.
She smiles, and I immediately feel a connection. We finish cleaning up and find ourselves at the counter, getting new trays.
Mia: So, Ethan, what year are you in?
Ethan: First year in computer engineering. And you?
Mia: Second year... in biology. I love this campus, even if it can be a bit... unpredictable sometimes.
We find an empty table and sit together. The conversation flows naturally, covering topics from courses to hobbies to our impressions of the city.
Mia: So, how are you finding your first university experience?
Ethan: Intense, but exciting. I'm also working part-time as a barista, so it's a bit of a challenge juggling everything.
Mia: I understand. I also volunteer at the university's research center. It's demanding but so rewarding.
Our lunch ends too quickly for my liking. As we get up to leave, Mia gives me a radiant smile.
Mia: It was really nice meeting you, Ethan. We should do this again.
Ethan: Absolutely. I'd love that.
The next day, I start my day at LE PURE CAFE as usual. Around noon, I prepare for a series of deliveries, including one to my favorite client, Madame Chloé, an enterprising woman I admire and have become friendly with. Madame Chloé is a regular customer who runs her business a few blocks from the café.
Lucas: Good luck with Madame Chloé, Ethan. She's nice, but she likes things done right. Just a reminder. I know you’ve charmed her.
Ethan: Thanks, Lucas. I'll do my best.
I leave the café and walk quickly to the address for the series of deliveries, then hurry back for my friend. The building is imposing, with tinted glass windows and an elegant entrance. I step through the doors and head towards the reception.
Ethan: Hello, I'm Ethan from LE PURE CAFE. I have a delivery for Madame Chloé.
The new receptionist, an elegant woman with a professional smile, gestures for me to wait.
Receptionist: One moment, I'll let her know.
A few minutes later, a woman with carefully styled blonde hair and a chic suit arrives in the lobby. It's Lily, Madame Chloé's secretary. She had just arrived and escorts me upstairs.
Chloé: Hello, Ethan. Thank you for the delivery. Could you wait a moment? I just need to finish a call, and then I'll walk you back to the café.
Ethan: Of course, Madame Chloé. I'll wait here.
She thanks me and returns to her office. I settle into a chair near the window, observing the city's view from the floor. My mind wanders, wondering why Madame Chloé wants to escort me personally. As I straighten up, curiosity rises within me. Perhaps she has something important to discuss, or maybe it's just a courteous gesture. Regardless, I wait, ready to see what the future holds.
Chloé: Lily? I think I'll head out. I don't have much left to do, and I believe I can finish the rest at home.
Lily: And you think you will? You want to be free in case he calls, right?
Chloé: All I want is to slip into my bed with a hot cup of tea and a romantic or adventure book.
Lily: So no birthday party for you?
Chloé: No! No. Lily, if you have nothing else to do, I'd prefer you go home and rest too.
Lily: Oh no. I have things to do. But I'll head home soon as well.
After Lily leaves to attend to her tasks, I step forward.
Ethan: Madame Chloé? Really? You're going home without doing anything?
Chloé: Yes! Why?
Ethan: Come with me!
Chloé: Uh, to where?
Ethan: Well, we're going to celebrate your birthday.
Chloé: Ethan, I... I don't see the point in celebrating a birthday. It's just another year gone in this world and...
Ethan: You may be right. But you know what? This day isn't just any day. Despite our lives, we should allow ourselves some joy, especially on this day. It's one year less and one more experience.
Chloé: Okay! And what do you have in mind?
Ethan: Uh... Let me think... How about we watch a movie?
Chloé: Go to the cinema?
Ethan: Oh no! No... Not exactly what you're thinking... You know? Let me show you; it's better than explaining.
To be continued…
FOREVER mine, author St Daniel
