Our Immeasurable Bond

Chapter 1

Enid meticulously applying her makeup, her mind wandering as she prepared for another day at the Weathervane.

Ever since she graduated from college, finding a decent job had been a relentless struggle. The job market was unforgiving, and despite her best efforts, she had faced rejection after rejection. It was a humbling experience that often left her feeling disheartened.

Fortunately, her friend Yoko had offered her a position at the Weathervane. Although it wasn’t in her field of study, it provided the stability and income she desperately needed.

As Enid added the final touches to her makeup, blending the eyeshadow just right and applying a subtle shade of lipstick, she heard the soft creak of her bedroom door opening. She glanced up in the mirror and saw her mother, Esther standing in the doorway, a mix of concern and impatience on her face.

"What?" Enid asked, her voice carrying a hint of exasperation.

"You're running late and you're still doing that?" her mother said, a slight edge to her tone.

Enid let out a frustrated sigh, feeling the familiar tension of their morning interactions.

"I'm almost done, Mom," she replied, trying to keep her tone neutral. She quickly capped her lipstick and reached for her bag on the bed.

Enid sighs, slinging her bag at her shoulder.

"I'm just concern about you Enid" Esther said.

"I know, Mom," she said, her voice a blend of resignation. "Now if you'll excuse me, I really have to go now."

Her mother stood in the doorway, her face etched with a mix of concern and lingering frustration. Enid knew that her mother’s worries came from a place of love, but it didn’t make the morning rush any easier.

Esther reached out as if to say something more, her hand hovering in the air for a moment before dropping to her side.

Enid walked past her, feeling the familiar tug of guilt. She wished there was more time for a heartfelt conversation, but the ticking clock reminded her that she was already on the verge of being late.

She reached the front door and paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady herself. Pushing open the door, she was greeted by the crisp morning air. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood.

Esther watched from the doorway, her heart heavy with a mix of pride and worry.

"Be careful, Enid," she called out, her voice carrying a note of tenderness that made Enid pause for just a second.

"I will, Mom," Enid replied, turning back to offer a reassuring smile. "I'll see you later."

With that, she turned and made her way down the front steps, her pace quickening as she headed towards Weathervane.

After a few minutes, Enid finally arrived at the Weathervane. The familiar sight of the cozy little shop brought a sense of relief and comfort to her.

As she pushed open the door, the pleasant aroma of freshly brewed coffee and baked goods enveloped her, immediately lifting her spirits.

The cafe was already bustling with the early morning crowd, a mix of regulars and new faces.

The gentle hum of conversation, the clinking of mugs, and the occasional burst of laughter created a lively yet soothing atmosphere.

As Enid made her way to the back to store her bag and grab her apron, she was greeted by a familiar voice that immediately brought a smile to her face.

"Hey girlie"

Enid turned her head and smiled warmly at Yoko.

"Hey" Enid responded.

"You're almost late," Yoko chuckled, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

Enid nodded, feeling a mix of relief and determination. "Well, 'almost' doesn’t count, right?" she replied with a grin.

"Let's get to work, shall we?"

Together, they emerged from the back room, immediately greeted by the lively hum of the cafe. The line of customers at the counter was already forming, each person patiently waiting to place their order.

Enid quickly followed suit, taking orders and preparing drinks with practiced efficiency. The two of them worked in perfect sync, their movements fluid and coordinated from months of working side by side.

Enid marveled at how much she had learned and grown since starting at the Weathervane, thanks in large part to Yoko's guidance and friendship.

The line of customers continued to move steadily, each person bringing their own unique story to the counter. Enid enjoyed the brief interactions, making small talks with customers.

As the initial rush began to subside, Enid and Yoko took advantage of the opportunity to catch up and unwind a bit. Enid leaned against the counter, wiping down the surface with a damp cloth, while Yoko adjusted the rows of freshly baked pastries in the display case.

"Finally, a breather," Yoko said, exhaling dramatically and rolling her shoulders to release the tension that had built up during the rush.

Enid chuckled, nodding in agreement.

"Tell me about it. I thought we’d never get a break. But hey, we survived"

Yoko grinned, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Barely. I swear, if I have to make one more triple-shot, half-caf, soy-milk, sugar-free vanilla latte, I might just lose it."

Enid laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh, come on, those are the fun ones!"

"Yeah, right," Yoko retorted playfully. "You just like showing off your barista skills."

"Maybe a little," Enid admitted with a wink.

As they chatted, their laughter and light-hearted teasing filled the cafe, a few customers entered.

Enid was in the middle of recounting a particularly funny story from their Nevermore days when something caught her eye.

She glanced towards the entrance, her attention drawn to a new arrival. A girl had just walked in, and there was something strikingly familiar about her.

The girl’s hair was neatly braided into two long plaits that hung down her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. Her dark brown eyes, deep and intense, stared ahead with a blank, almost unreadable expression.

Wearing a black turtleneck sweater beneath a long coat, paired with black jeans, she entered the room. Enid was stunned by the simplicity and elegance of her outfit.

It didn’t take long for recognition to dawn upon her as she observed the girl more closely.

Her distinctive appearance marked by her neatly braided hair, pale complexion, and intense dark eyes sparked a memory that quickly surfaced in her mind.

"Wednesday?"

A/N: Welcome to my second book!! gonna post another chap later hehe