The forgotten wolf

Apple and cherry pie

It’s now shortly after 5:00am I’ve just arrived at the cafe the lights are still out and it’s still dark outside. I quickly go to the back and using my keys I unlock the back door punch in the security code close and lock the door behind me. I flip the switch closest to the door and the fluorescent lights in the kitchen immediately illuminate the space making my eyes water. I turn on the little radio and switch it to one of my favourite stations before going out to the dinning room. It’s still hours before we open so I leave the front lights off and make a pot of coffee this one is just for me so I make it extra strong I’ll need a couple cups to get me through this morning breakfast rush. As the machine beings to brew the smell of coffee a welcome comforting aroma surrounds me and I lean against the counter. looking out at the dining room I’m filled with a moment of tranquility the sun begins to rise the soft light shining through the windows I take in the quiet a welcome escape.

I’ve worked at Mac’s dinner for almost 4 years now right after high school. it was your classic old fashioned dinner with black and white checkered flooring, faux leather covered booths an old jukebox and A counter with stools which was where our regulars sat. We had malt milk shakes all day breakfast and homemade apple and cherry pie.

I spent about all my time here it was the only place Tommy would let me go and he had been banned by Old Mac him self years ago so I felt safe here. Mac was probably the only one in town who never turned a blind eye towards tommy he’d seen me come into work with a few bruises black eyes and had sent me to the hospital when I came home with a broken arm. He had no respect for men who hit women and told me everyday he wished me safety and would often tip me extremely generously.i think it was in hopes I’d leave him.

The night that earned Tommy his banishment he had come in drunk as a skunk one late afternoon near closing time and had grabbed one of the other waitress. He whispered something insulting and dirty to them and Mac had watched as she ran off crying. I had been in the back getting my bag and when I saw her rush past me I knew Tommy had probably proposed some sort of s****l act to her. I came out to Mac telling Tommy off and I was surprised to see him sit there taking it. When Tommy saw me come out he stood up grabbed me by the hair and began to pull me out of the restaurant cursing and swearing “let’s get the f**k out of here what took you so long”. I was so embarrassed as I was being pulled out in front of my customers. Mac told Tommy to let me go and to get the f**k out or he would call the police and if he ever came with in 30ft of his establishment he would have him arrested for trust passing. Tommy pushed me to the floor spat on me and accused me of “screwing the old man” before he stomped off. Mac offered me to stay with him practically begged but I knew once Tommy sobered up it would just get worse and didn’t need him to cause more trouble for Mac then he already had. Surprisingly Tommy never brought up what occurred and acted as if the whole thing never happened. I think Max had something to do with that. He had connections too in the city and if he couldn’t get me out of the s**t marriage at least he could provide me a safe space to work. The dinner family was the only friends and family I had.