Terrified

Chapter 4: Brewing Troubles (Part 1 of 3)

The fear of taking a step forward to see the light, the uncertainties of going over the boundaries they created out of their inside battles and the doubts breaking the chains binding their hearts from grabbing the possible better opportunities waving in front of them, all of these are holding them back from realizing what their terrified heart wants and their denials pull them back which causes them to be unable to grasp the change that may twist their life into a better tomorrow.

Other than those, lies and secrets as well bring dilemmas and troubles that shouldn't be existing in the first place. And because of these unvoiced truths and hidden circumstances they are scared to speak out of their trembling hearts, troubles start to brew and unknowingly, it creates nothing but heaviness and worries. Truly, smiles and laughter can cover all of these but there will always be people who can see right through those falsities and can break sugarcoats of these sweet gestures.

And through all these terrors they have inside them, no matter how they terrified they are to acknowledge what's good for their personal life, the business nevertheless is prospering and growing, a complete opposite of themselves. In this afternoon when all is done and all is empty, nothing but contentment and gratitude are painted all over everyone's expressions despite how worn out their bodies are. Satisfying it is to be able to see all their hard work from dawn to afternoon all paid off.

"Thank you for another day filled with hard work!" Yumi bowed before the staffs as the business has closed down for the day and all that occupies inside are her exhausted staffs. "As expected, we're sold out today and just in the right time. We're getting better than the past days and I hope this goes on. We're slowly reaching our goal to expand this business so please, I also hope everyone stays with me, with us." She then added as she stared each staff to express herself deeply.

"I'm proud of how this business is gradually getting consistent and getting more productive now. However, I wish you would also get a rest, Yumi. Your health comes first more than anything, more important that making this business bigger and surely, you know that right?" Chris extended out of concern upon noticing Yumi's slimming figure.

The other staffs also agree, "This business won't operate without you so please, take care of yourself too. If you're not around then we won't be too."

"Okay, fine. Noted." Yumi easily gave in and let everyone go to their own ways.

All that's left inside the café is Fatima who has been quiet the entire time that Yumi was talking. Looking everywhere inside the café with all the chairs and tables fixed and the racks and her coffee containers empty for the day, Fatima couldn't help but to grin on this sight before her watery eyes, wherein a huge breath came next as she relaxed her stiffed body from an entire day of work.

Yumi then also leaned but on against the wall across her best friend as she takes note, "You've been awfully quiet. Is there something you want to say?"

"I'm just amazed how much we're improving these days and seeing the staffs and our products all out, I just can't help it but to compare how dull we used to be in here. Before we only cater less than a hundred of customers a day and we cannot even fill up all the seats inside but now, we cannot even accommodate everyone. I'm proud of us..." Fatima said so open, sincere while her eyes continuously look around.

Yumi also roams her eyes around and indeed, she can see the changes and improvement as she also opens, "I know right? It doesn't feel real at first glance but then whenever I feel exhaustion as I bake in the kitchen, I realize, this is it... we're really getting better and better. The more we find ourselves tired at the end of the day, the more we realize it's because the business is prospering."

"Admit it or not, it's mainly because of you. Like what the others said earlier, without you this café is impossible." Fatima smirked at her best friend.