Chapter Text
“So, Mr. Arthur.” The voice was cold, laced with disappointment.
“This was the last time I turned a blind eye to your tardiness!” Mr. David’s tone grew harsher, with each word loud.
“I’m sorry, Mr. David, something came up this ti—”
“Enough!” Mr. David cut him off with A raised voice, echoing through the room. “I’m done with your excuses! You leave me no choice, young man.”
Arthur felt his chest tighten. “Please, just one more chance,” he pleaded desperately.
“I’ll work a double shift, I swear—”
“No!” Mr. David’s face was set in stone. “I’ve given you more chances than you deserved. This is the end, you are fired!”
Without another glance, Mr. David turned and strode back to his office, leaving Arthur standing there, as the weight of his words settled heavily on him in the silence.
Arthur sighed heavily as he pushed open the restaurant door, stepping outside into the cool morning air. He began walking down the pavement, his steps slow and aimless. He had nowhere to go, and with each step, he was reminded of the events that had transpired.
Another day had come and gone, but this one was only gone, as he had just been fired. Again.
Arthur wasn’t different from any other man his age. He just wanted something simple. A stable job, a chance to build a life, have a family, to finally feel and see what it was like moving forward. College was never an option; he could barely afford to get by, let alone dream of higher education. So, instead, he threw himself into the job market as soon as he was old enough, hoping sheer effort would carry him through.
He’d always believed that everything would eventually fall into place with hard work. But now, that belief felt fragile; ready to be shattered at any moment.
For the most part, Arthur had managed to get by. He wasn’t lazy; far from it actually. But he did have one weakness. He loved to sleep.
He loved it so much that waking up on time had become a near-impossible battle. It wasn’t for lack of trying, either. He had four alarm clocks, each set to go off at different times, but somehow, he still managed to sleep through all of them.
But aside from his… struggle with mornings, Arthur was a hard worker. Once he was up, he poured everything he had into whatever job was in front of him.
“I wish Mr. David had just listened,” Arthur muttered under his breath.
His boss wasn’t wrong, he had been late before. But he tried his best to turn it around. He had managed two solid weeks without being late once. Not a single slip-up. Today had been different, though. He had stopped to help his neighbor, Mrs. Carlson, carry her groceries to her apartment. She was a sweet old lady, always smiling and chatting with him when they passed each other in the hallway. He couldn’t say no to her. But what he hadn’t expected was just how many bags there were. Trip after trip up to the third floor, and before he knew it, far too much time had slipped away.
“Shame,” he sighed, shaking his head. “The pay wasn’t bad either.”
Still, he wasn’t the type to give up. He never had been. He’d gotten through rough patches before, and he’d do it again. But that didn’t change the fact that job hunting was a tedious, exhausting process that drained both time and energy.
His stomach groaned loudly, protesting the gnawing hunger that pulled him from his thoughts. Arthur took a moment to readjust to his surroundings and focused ahead. He hadn’t gone grocery shopping this week, and the idea of a meal from the familiar cafeteria down the street felt like a good idea to comfort him.
The town he was in was medium-sized, with a laid-back atmosphere. It wasn’t overly crowded, but for some reason, it attracted a steady stream of tourists. Arthur didn’t mind, really. His ex-employer had often said that tourism was the lifeline of their community, bringing in great profits that kept places like the cafeteria thriving.
After a long walk, he finally reached the cafe. Luckily, it was still early enough that the rush hadn’t started. He chose the furthest table outside, shaded beneath a bright red-and-white striped umbrella.
Before long, a cheerful waitress approached to take his order. He glanced at the menu, though he already knew what he wanted.
“I’ll have a cold black tea and your signature turkey and cheese sandwich, please,” he said, trying to sound upbeat despite his earlier disappointment.
The waitress nodded with a friendly smile before disappearing back into the cafe.
A couple of minutes drifted by as Arthur lost himself in thought, his gaze unfocused on the few people walking past him. He wasn’t in the mood to think about anything beyond having his breakfast and moving on with his day. Thoughts of his recent misfortunes occasionally crept in, leaving him to wonder why luck seemed to elude him time and again.
“Ahh, this sun is blazing today, isn’t it?” A voice pulled him from his reverie, prompting him to search for its source.
When he looked up, he saw a woman standing across from him, bearing a bright smile that illuminated her face. She wore a vibrant yellow dress paired with a blue cardigan. A delicate necklace shimmered around her neck, and in her hand, she held a white umbrella with a bold red outline, which she was now closing as she approached.
Her rich dark brown hair was styled in a sleek updo, most of it gathered into a large bun, high on the back of her head. Soft side-parted bangs were on her face, with a few strands tucked behind her ears.
“Do you mind if I take a seat?” she asked, her brown eyes sparkling in the sunlight, enhanced by the black eyeliner.
She looked at him expectantly, and it suddenly dawned on Arthur that he had been staring at her awkwardly. He couldn’t help but wonder why she had chosen to sit here with him when there were plenty of other empty tables around.
“Uhm, sure,” he finally replied, his voice slightly hesitant as he agreed casually.
“Great!” she said with a smile. Nodding, she pulled the chair out and settled in, arranging her umbrella beside her as she made herself comfortable.
“So, are you a local here?” she asked, with a light and friendly tone.
Despite his less-than-cheerful mood, he remembered what he knew; his parents had always emphasized the importance of showing kindness whenever possible, even in tough times.
“Yes. I’ve lived here my entire life,” he replied plainly.
“Oh, that’s great! I’m on a trip around these parts. Maybe you could suggest something good from the menu? I’m quite hungry.” she said, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
It all clicked for Arthur; she was a tourist.
“Ah, I see,” he replied, nodding thoughtfully.
“In that case, you should definitely try their turkey sandwiches. They’re the best. Delicious, fill you with energy, plus they’re light on the stomach. The weather can get pretty hot around here later, miss.” He watched as her gaze remained fixed on him, a curious smile on her lips.
“A turkey sandwich? Sounds delicious,” she responded.
“It truly is,” he said, feeling a bit more animated. “Pair it with a tea of your choice, and you’ve got a perfect breakfast.”
Just as he finished speaking, the waitress approached their table again, her PDA ready.
“Welcome! Are you ready to order?”
“Hello! Yes, I’d like one of your turkey sandwiches and a cold-brewed green tea, no sugar please,” the woman said, her voice bright and cheerful.
“Of course,” the waitress noted, glancing between them with a friendly smile. “Anything else?”
“That’s it,” she replied, her eyes returning to Arthur’s, lingering for longer than usual. “For now…” She trailed off.
Arthur watched the waitress walk away, but his peripheral vision caught the strange tourist lady still staring at him. An awkward tension settled over the table, and he felt exposed under her gaze as if she were sizing him up for something he couldn’t quite comprehend. He wanted to say something, to break the sudden silence, but he couldn’t find the right words. His sour mood didn’t help either.
“Something bothering you?” she finally asked, her intense gaze softening slightly as she sensed his discomfort.
“If I’m bothering you or anything, just tell me. No offense,” she added.
“Wha—no, no. It’s just… I’m in a bad mood this morning,” he admitted, feeling his honesty slipping out.
“How can someone be in such a bad mood on a day like this?” She gestured broadly around them.
“Eh, nothing worth mentioning really,” Arthur replied with a shrug, trying to downplay his feelings.
“Hmm.” She leaned forward.
“Let me guess—something work-related?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Arthur jolted in surprise. “Ho—how did you—” He stammered, caught off guard by her insight.
Before he could gather his thoughts, the waitress arrived, meticulously placing their orders on the table.
“Here are your sandwiches and your refreshments,” she announced, her smile brightening the moment. “Please enjoy!”
As the waitress walked away, the woman’s gaze turned to her plate.
“That looks delicious,” she remarked.
Arthur was still processing how she had managed to guess what had been bothering him. Her perceptiveness was unnerving yet oddly interesting, making him reconsider how easy he was to read. He took a deep breath, realizing that asking her about it was the only option to find out.
“It is indeed work-related. How did you guess, though?” he asked, dropping his polite demeanor.
The strange lady took a slow sip of her green tea.
“Simple. What would bother a young man your age? It’s usually something work-related or about relationships.” She smirked.
He couldn’t help but nod; she had a point. Still…
“So, I guess it was a 50/50 chance?” he joked, trying to keep the mood light.
“Not exactly,” she replied.
“If you were in a relationship, your girlfriend would be here with you. Us women tend to be a bit clingy to the ones we love.” She winked playfully.
Arthur was taken aback. This woman was smart and observant; definitely not your average tourist. In the short time she had been here, she managed to assess him with surprising accuracy. He had to admit, their conversation was lifting his spirits. However, as he watched her savor her sandwich, he realized it was time for him to dig into his meal as well.
“Got to admit, this is the best breakfast I’ve had since I got here!” she exclaimed, a look of pure delight crossing her face as she finished her last bite.
“You’re exaggerating,” Arthur replied with a chuckle, finishing off his own meal as well.
“Am I? Have you ever tried eating at the airport? Ugh…” She wrinkled her nose in disgust, clearly recalling something awful.
“Thanks for the warning,” he grinned.
She leaned back slightly, her expression turning more serious. “So then, your work. Tell me more about it.” She wiped her mouth with a paper towel.
“My work? Nothing is interesting about it,” he said with a shrug, taking a sip of his tea to mask his lingering discomfort. “I just got fired anyway.”
“Try me,” she urged, placing her elbows on the table and leaning closer. Her eyes locked onto his with genuine curiosity. Her gaze made him feel oddly encouraged to share.
What’s the harm in sharing this? he thought. He let out a deep sigh.
“The truth is, I’ve been struggling. I’ve been hopping from job to job, only to get fired in the end each time. Don’t get me wrong; I’ve always been a hard worker. I finish my tasks on time, help my co-workers, and even put in unpaid overtime. You know, the usual,” he said, his voice trailing off as he paused.
“Hmm. Sounds like you’re a dedicated worker,” she commented.
“I don’t mind putting in the effort,” he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck.
“But I have this… weakness, let’s say. I can’t stand waking up in the mornings.” He braced himself for her laughter, but she just kept staring at him, her brow slightly furrowed as she processed his words.
“It’s just… I’ve been trying to change that,” he continued, feeling a mix of frustration and resignation.
“But I’ve been unlucky lately, and here I am, back at square one, again.” He sighed heavily.
“Trying to make a change is admirable,” she replied. “Do you have any specific goals in your career that you’re pursuing with this willingness for that change?”
“Career? Nah, I don’t have any specializations or diplomas; never had the money for that,” Arthur admitted.
“I’m just a guy trying to live a comfortable life. I don’t care what the job is, as long as it pays the bills. So, I’ve had to adapt. And if that means I have to push past my weaknesses, even if they are impossible to overcome, well… I’m willing to do whatever it takes.” His voice grew more determined, and a spark of resolve flickered in his eyes.
For a moment, there was silence between them.
“Ah, sorry for rambling on about my nonsense,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck, suddenly self-conscious.
“Not at all; on the contrary, I find it… interesting,” she replied with a grin.
He couldn’t quite understand why she found his story interesting, but her comment warmed him nonetheless. “Thanks. I’ve got to admit, my mood’s definitely better after talking with you.”
“Glad to hear that,” she said with a bright smile bright. “I enjoyed the sandwich and your company too. Thanks for the suggestion.”
“No problem. Happy to help someone new in the area,” he replied, feeling a flush of warmth spread across his cheeks.
She tilted her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. “That reminds me,” she said, her eyes lighting up with an idea. “If you’re looking for work, I know a place that’s been searching for eager people like you.”
Arthur’s eyebrows raised in surprise. “Really? That could definitely help with my job hunting. I’m interested.”
“Splendid!” she exclaimed. She reached into her small bag and pulled out a card, handing it to him with a smile. “Here’s the information.”
The card was simple, plain white, with just a phone number printed on the front. Flipping it over, his eyes caught a strange logo. A minimalist, angular design of a white pine tree, with sharp mountain peaks next to it. All of them contained in an orange background.
His quiet scrutiny was cut short as the mysterious tourist rose from her chair, drawing his attention back to her.
"It’s time for me to take my leave. Still have a few more places to explore around here," she said, opening her umbrella with a flick of her wrist.
“Thanks again for the suggestion. I might just come back to this place next time I’m around,” she added with a warm smile.
“I’m happy I could help. And thank you for the card, miss…?” He trailed off, hoping to catch her name.
“Oh, of course! I’m Lea,” she replied, extending her hand.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Lea. I’m Arthur,” he said, accepting the firm handshake.
“Well, Mr. Arthur, I hope our paths cross again,” she said with a parting grin before turning to walk away.
He watched as she blended into the crowd that started to get dense by the minute.
Arthur was alone again, but his mood had taken a noticeable turn for the better. He had a lead for his job search and most importantly, he’d enjoyed a delicious breakfast in good company, even if it was with a complete stranger.
There was something about that woman though. The air of mystery lingered even after she left. But she’d been kind, and their conversation had been surprisingly easy, almost fun. He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye, but for now, he was simply grateful for the unexpected encounter.
He slipped the card into his pocket, planning to call later since he’d left his phone at home. As he got ready to leave, a sudden realization hit him; he was going to have to pay for the meal himself. His expression soured. That sandwich, while delicious, was expensive, and it would take a real toll on his budget. And he was already running on savings. It was that cursed electric bill’s fault.
“Excuse me!” He waved to the waitress, who quickly made her way over.
“How can I help you?”
“Yeah, I’d like the check, please,” he said, bracing himself.
“The check? It’s already been paid, sir,” she replied with a polite smile.
“Paid?” He blinked, confused.
“Yes, the lady who was sitting with you took care of it,” she explained.
“Ah, I see. Well, thank you,” he said, still processing the information.
“Have a great day!” the waitress chimed before leaving him to his thoughts.
Arthur sat there for a moment, surprised. When had she paid? He hadn’t noticed her make a move the entire time. That only added to the sense of mystery surrounding her. If he ever saw her again, he’d make sure to thank her properly. For now, though, it was time to head home. For some reason, he felt like calling that number the sooner.