Quiet Before The Shadows
503 Words
1
Ava Evans
"Table number four, Ava! Two caramel mochas-hurry up!"
Sasha, my fellow colleague, shouted over the noise of the restaurant. It had been a crazy, hectic day. I already had two school assignments waiting for me, and this stupid job, which barely ever paid on time, wasn't helping at all.
"On it!" I replied, forcing a smile, though I was barely keeping it together as I rushed to prepare another order.
When is this day going to end?
I missed my bed.
And surely, two assignments could be knocked out in a day... right?
I made the drinks and served them at the table. The customer, probably in his early forties and clearly annoyed with the late service, sat there with his wife, his face resembling a thundercloud. I gave him a nervous smile before turning on my heel and letting out a sigh.
Art history was my passion. I spent countless hours studying the strokes of the masters and analyzing their techniques. When I wasn't buried in textbooks, I was painting, trying to capture the world through my own lens. Writing was another escape for me, where I could pour my thoughts onto the page, weaving together my love for art and storytelling. But today, exhaustion weighed heavily on me. I felt like I will not be able to study, paint or even write for weeks now due to exhaustion.
Sasha approached me, her brow furrowed with concern. "You seem distressed... What's up?"
"I'm just really exhausted. I have two assignments waiting for me, and tomorrow is the last day to submit them. All I want to do is sleep for a week," I groaned.
"Well, that sounds tough. Maybe you should take a day off tomorrow. Go home, binge-watch your favorite show, and forget about the world!" she suggested with a grin.
I raised an eyebrow. "Binge-watching doesn't exactly scream 'productive.'"
"True, but it also doesn't involve assignments," she shot back, winking. "Besides, you can complete them tomorrow. You've got this, Ava!"
Sasha placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "If anyone can handle two assignments and a grumpy customer, it's you!"
I chuckled, feeling a little lighter. "Thanks, Sasha. You really know how to lift my spirits."
"Of course! That's what friends are for. Plus, if you fail, I'll just blame it on the coffee!"
She laughed, and I couldn't help but smile back. Sasha was almost five years older than me, yet she felt more like a sister than a friend. I wasn't great at making friends, but she had wormed her way into my life on day one of my job, yapping away like a cheerful squirrel. I often listened even when I didn't want to.
"Seriously, though," I said, my smile genuine now. "You're a great friend."
"Well, I aim to please! And a good news for you, the café is closing in fifteen minutes." Sasha spoke enthusiastically.
I felt much better after our conversation. We turned back to face the chaos of the café.
- Writer
