Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
05| Something is Most Definitely Off
The smell of food had a tantalizing way to waft the senses to conquer any fear or frustration. It was an unofficial pleasure that (Y/N) would never announce, but it was no secret to her classmates that their school hookup had a love for computers and hot food.
"Buenos días, Señora Alba!" (Y/N) greeted with a warm smile, balancing her tray in the lunch line.
"Buenos días, Señora (Y/L/N)," the elderly woman replied, returning the smile with genuine warmth. Her kind demeanor cut through the mundane routine of the school cafeteria.
Alba, the senior lunch lady, was a beacon of hope amidst the mundane atmosphere of Queens, New York. (Y/N) had discovered that her love for computers and hot food were well-known among her classmates, even if she never openly admitted it.
But it was Alba's compassion that truly touched (Y/N)'s heart.
There was a time when (Y/N)'s meager finances had left her without enough money to afford more than one meal per week. Alba had noticed her desperate situation and, in her subtle way, saved a small meal for (Y/N) every day, providing some solace in her struggles.
Grateful for Alba's generosity, (Y/N) silently praised the lunch lady, hoping for her well-being and happiness to continue in this harsh and unnatural world.
She believed that some higher power must have taken notice of Alba's kindness and rewarded her in return. Due to her limited funds, she now chooses to work harder every day to repay the woman for her kindness.
"¿Cómo estuvo su día?" (Y/N) inquired with a warm smile, her hand reaching for one of the enticing entrees as she prepared to bring it to the checkout counter.
She had been diligently practicing her Spanish, eager to engage in conversation with the beloved lunch lady.
"Ah, ya conoces el dicho: I am blessed, therefore, not stressed," the old woman replied, her eyes crinkling with a gentle chuckle.
Her voice's kindness resonated with (Y/N) and made her feel truly seen and appreciated.
A flicker of amusement danced in (Y/N)'s eyes. "No es divertido cuando respondes en inglés," She coyly replied.
Alba's laughter filled the air, a melodic sound that brightened the cafeteria. "Lo sé, mi hija," she said, her voice laced with affection and understanding.
With a grateful smile, (Y/N) bid Alba farewell. "¡Que tengas un buen día, Alba!"
The lunch lady's eyes sparkled with warmth as she replied, "Igualmente, amiga mía." The sincerity in her voice conveyed a genuine sense of familial love, leaving (Y/N) with a feeling of warmth as she carried her tray toward the checkout counter.
LYLA peeked out from the girl's pocket, her digital eyes scanning the surroundings. "She seems nice."
"Yeah, she has that type of energy with her," (Y/N) replied, a fond smile tugging at her lips. A warmth and kindness was emanating from the lunch lady that was hard to resist.
