Behind a Broken Mirror

Chapter 3

I sighed, leaning my head back against my seat in my car. My shift had ended a moment ago, and now I was left to go home and get ready for dinner.

Yes, dinner. Koda wanted to have dinner with the crew before they left, and today, during my lunch break, he asked me to come. With our issues as friends, it was the most I could do right now.

-Time Skip-

I got out of my car with a small sigh, looking down at my outfit again. I'm not sure if it's good enough, I really hope it is.

(The outfit is the chapter cover)

-Time Skip-

I sat down next to Karl, it being the only seat left open. He looked zoned out, and I felt a little bad. He probably didn't want to be here right now.

"I ordered for you, I hope it's what you wanted." Koda said, and I looked up.

"Grilled shrimp salad?" I asked, and he nodded.

"Thank you, Koda."

"The shelter was nice, and I loved how you kept the routine." Jimmy said, and I smiled a little to myself.

"Nothing ever goes wrong with Raven, she's always hands on and doesn't let anything get in the way. Her main priority is the animals, not money or hours like the other workers. That's why I assigned you to her." Koda said, and I smiled at him.

"I couldn't tell." Chris joked, laughing lightly.

We all laughed with him, except for Karl. I glanced over, and he was still zoned out. I thought he was at least, but then he got up and made his way from the table. I waited a few minutes before I took a breath and stood.

"Excuse me." I say, and then make my way in the same direction.

I reach the back entrance, seeing Karl sitting outside. His head was in his knees, it looked like he'd been crying. I stepped out, and he didn't even move in the slightest.

"Karl? Are you alright?" I ask gently, and his head lifts a little.

I sit down beside him, resting a gentle hand on his shoulder. His head lifts fully, and I can see the tear streaks on his face and his bloodshot eyes. It was no doubt he'd been crying, but why?

"I'm just not feeling well.." Karl whispered, and I felt a sting of guilt in my stomach, even though I know it isn't my fault.

"So you came outside instead of heading to a restroom?" I forced out, and he looked down.

He didn't say anything, so I moved to get up, and he snapped his head up. I could see his eyes begging me to stay, so I did. We may have just met, but I get the feeling this won't be the last time we see each other.

"You've stayed near me all day. Why?" He whispers, and I looked at him, surprised.

"You looked like you were gonna pass out. I didn't want anyone to be too far away in case you did, so I just stayed close." I explain, and he goes silent again.

I move a little, wrapping my arms around him. His head falls onto my shoulder, and I can hear him cry as the tears slip down my skin. His arms slip around me, but they stay as loose as possible.

"Why are you really out here Karl..?" I whisper, and he lets out another cry.

He doesn't say anything, so I don't either. We stayed there for a while, and then finally Karl stood up. He wiped his face, but you could still tell. I stood up with him, and we both walked inside.

"Hey, go to the restroom and wash your face, it'll look less like you were crying." I say, and he nods, breaking off from our path.

I head back to the table, sitting down. Koda looked at me, concerned. I nodded slightly, letting him know I was okay. The others didn't seem to notice.

I don't think this is the last time I'll see any of them.