In the city of Chicago, down a bike path that runs parallel to the street of Lake Shore Drive, sits a hot dog stand at the edge of a city park. Joggers and cyclists run along a two lane bike path that stretches north and south alongside the shores of Lake Michigan. Young people are sunbathing on the many sandy beaches, as high-rise buildings scrape the sky in a city standing guard over its waters.
"This is the best hot dog joint in the city." Said Eric Krieger, after entering the restaurant.
The building was long and wide with a dining area that looked more like a hallway. Long glass windows were opposite a hot dog bar, with stainless steel stools standing like short tubular columns fixed to the floor. Three waitresses, dressed in baby blue uniforms with eggshell white aprons, raced behind the bar, serving customers.
"Four dogs with everything on them, please." Said Eric.
A waitress pulls a number two pencil from her hair, and after jotting down the order, turns around and clips it to a round silver carousel. She spins the blue paper list to face the kitchen. The cook lifts up on a stainless steel door that swings open on its hinges. Steam billows up, and the cook pulls a hotdog with tongs from the warmer. He then places the dog in its bun and adds condiments.
Not long after.
Two red plastic baskets, with hot dogs and french fries, are slid across a white vinyl bar. A smokey steam billows up from the kitchen area behind the dark haired waitresses.
"You guys want any thin to drink?" Asked a waitress with a name tag that said Flow. Her voice is slightly nasally.
"Beer!" Said Eric.
"All we got is cola." Said Flow: a beautifully curvy, but by no means fat, young woman. Her features are extremely average, but irresistibly attractive none the less.
"Cherry RC." Said Eric.
The waitress fills two light blue paper cups with a dark carbonated liquid.
Long ago, the place started out as a stainless steel cart on black pneumatic tires. Then a wooden hotdog stand replaced the cart, followed by a trailer, then a building.
"Thanks!" Said Eric to the waitress as he handed Tammy a basket with two hotdogs. The hot dogs sit on lightly salted french fries and a piece of wax paper.
Tammy sips from a red plastic straw, and the sweet, cool flavor of dark carbonated cola dazzles her taste buds.
"Mmmm," said Tammy, as the two left the hot dog joint for the park just behind a parking lot. They find a picnic bench and begin eating.
"What a beautiful day." Said Tammy, while looking at the sun glistening off the waves of the lake. Her large dark sunglasses reflect what she's looking at. Eric sits opposite her on the park bench.
"This is one of the oldest parks in the City of Chicago." Said Eric. "I think the planetarium was just over there."
"How did you find this place?
"It wasn't hard; everyone knows about the lakefront. But the hot dog stand reminded me of the kinds of places you used to love. So I tried it out, and thought I should bring you here."
She takes a bite from the hot dog and fries.
"This is delicious, and the fries are perfect." A pool of thick red ketchup sits inside a small white paper cup.
"So, you like it?" Said Eric.
"Of course I do.
A few moments later, Eric slides his empty basket over to the side.
YOU ARE READING
In The Shadow Of The Tower
Ficção CientíficaTwo super-rich kids grow into young adulthood and struggle with their feelings for one another. She has loved him for quite some time, but he is unsure and needs to figure things out. She is also engineered by her father's company to love someone el...
