“What did you learn today?”he asked in a serious tone, and I felt a wave of shame wash over me.
“That I'm a complete mess and have no clue about this job or how to interact with customers,” I admitted, hoping he wouldn't dismiss me.
“Is there anything else you learned during these two days?”he continued.
“Well, wearing white was a mistake because stains show easily.Writing down large orders is essential since it's easy to get distracted or forget.The portafilter should only be rinsed with hot water—not soap—since it can ruin the coffee's flavor.Once you fill the basket with coffee and insert it, you need to brew it immediately because the machine is hot and will scorch the coffee.Dirty cups should be rinsed before going into the dishwasher, or they'll dry and not get cleaned properly, which makes you wash them again and waste time and water.When clients pay, you should prepare the change before putting the bill in the register to avoid forgetting how much they handed you.And, of course, a smile and gratitude go a long way; customers always prefer a friendly face over a stern one.”I recounted my lessons, trying to recall all my mistakes.
“Good,” Enzo replied, a look of approval on his face.“And would you make the same mistakes again?”he asked.
“Probably not, now that I know better,” I said, feeling slightly more confident.
“I'm glad to hear that.I didn't expect you to be mistake-free.Everything can be learned with experience.As long as you learn from your errors, I'm fine with that.I'll see you on Friday, same time.”Enzo smiled, and to my surprise, he didn't fire me.Suddenly, having a job didn't seem so frightening after all.
I could hardly contain my excitement as I opted to stroll home.The sky was overcast, yet the air was warm and inviting.My mind wandered to the lessons I had absorbed recently; I realized that making mistakes wasn't as terrifying as it had seemed and could even be a vital part of growth.
Just minutes from home, the skies closed up, and rain began to pour relentlessly.I picked up my pace, but I was already drenched and chilled to the bone by the time I arrived at the front door.
“Luna, you're soaked!Why didn't you call me?I would have come to get you!”my mom exclaimed, emerging from the kitchen with her eyes wide in surprise.
“I was almost home when the rain hit out of nowhere, but it's alright.I'll just take a shower now,” I replied with a smile.
“You seem cheerful!Dinner is nearly ready, but please clean up this wet mess first,” she said, gesturing to the puddles forming on the floor.I nodded in agreement, cleaned up, and quickly hopped into the shower before racing downstairs.
Mom had set the table and lit a candle, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere that contrasted beautifully with the dreary weather outside.
“I'm starving!It smells amazing, honey,” my dad called as he hurried down the stairs, rushing to plant a kiss on Mom’s cheek.I couldn't help but grin; it was one of those delightful family dinners filled with laughter, shared memories, and a bit of wine.It felt like one of those evenings you wished could stretch on forever.
Little did I know, a surprise awaited me in my room—something that would lead me to a choice that could alter the course of my life forever.We didn't choose our fate;fate chose us.For reasons unknown, it had set me on this journey that was just beginning, and I realized I had no control over it, and no option but to embrace it.
I assisted my mom with the dishes, and after exchanging goodnights, I left my parents cozied up on the living room couch, still engaged in lively conversation over a glass of wine, like newlyweds.It warmed my heart to see them enjoying each other's company after everything they had been through.
Once in my room, I shut the door behind me and changed into my pajamas.The wind picked up outside, causing the terrace door to rattle softly.I approached the door to peer out, observing the branches swaying gracefully in the gusts.
To my surprise, the door was cold and… unlocked.A chill ran down my spine as I quickly secured it and turned back around.My gaze instinctively searched the room and landed on something peculiar.
A rolled-up item wrapped in a black plastic bag sat on my desk.I picked it up; it was surprisingly warm, as if it had only recently been placed there.My heart raced when I unwrapped it.Inside, I discovered a newspaper from a few years ago, featuring an article about a violent incident, alongside a letter.
Though I was unsure of what I was diving into, my curiosity urged me to explore further.I began with the article, which prominently displayed a photo of a bloodstain on the pavement.It detailed a witness account of a young man assaulting another man right outside his home, with an unidentified accomplice present.Zane’s name wasn't mentioned anywhere.
Since they were both minors, no trial took place, and the victim never filed charges.Next, my attention shifted to the letter, hoping it would shed some light on the situation.
I took a seat on the edge of the bed and carefully unfolded the sheet of paper.My palms were clammy, and a shiver ran through me.Taking a deep breath, I focused my gaze and began to read…
Dear Luna,
I wish I could voice what I'm about to say, but I can't.Words are just stuck in my throat, resisting the urge to come out, leaving me with no choice but to write.First and foremost, I owe you an apology.Again.I'm truly sorry for leaving you that day; your question took me by surprise.There are no justifications for my actions, and I can't offer any.I'm guilty, and it's a weight I must bear forever.What I did was wrong, but there was a reason behind it.It wasn't just some random guy; he did something unspeakable, and I reacted in a moment of rage.Once again, I chose the wrong way to handle it.I wish I could explain, but I made a promise, and I just can't break it.I don't expect you to understand, but I hope that knowing I acted to protect someone I care about could be enough.
Love is a force unlike any other, driving us to do things our rational minds can hardly comprehend.I never want you to feel afraid of me; I would rather die than cause you any pain.I thought I had everything figured out: finishing school, becoming an architect, living in a bustling city, driving a sleek new car, exploring the world, getting married, and starting a family.But now, none of those dreams hold any meaning without you by my side.All I deeply, madly, and unconditionally desire is you.I believe we can create something real together, something that exists only in books.I'm yours, even if I'm unsure whether you would want me.
Who's the dummy now?
Zane
I lay there for five hours, my gaze fixed on the ceiling, though my mind wasn't concerned with choices.My heart had already made its decision long ago, and my mind was powerless to resist.Vivid images danced in my thoughts, projected like a movie above me.
But the feeling that was growing inside me consumed me entirely, leaving me no choice but to surrender.I was simply a teenage girl falling in love; why pretend otherwise?Could anyone truly blame me?
Deep down, I sensed that my life was about to change.For better?Maybe.For worse?It was possible.But he wasmine, and I washis; surely, nothing could go wrong from here, could it?
