Romanticismo Per Caso ❤

Evacuation (Elias POV)

The news reverberated in my mind: Lorena's parents were full of so much animosity towards me that they no longer wanted me working there. I knew that it was bound to happen because Lorena's do not trust me at all, but I was still very dumbfounded by them bluntly telling me to leave.

Yet, amidst the turmoil, I knew I was going to miss Offredi's. As much as I hated seeing Lorena there, seeing everyone's bright spirit and compassion for everyone made me feel complete. I felt a true sense of comfort.

I remember little encounters that Lorena had with me after our break up. She was sad, but she still gave me the proper respect and kindness that a co-worker should give. Even if Lorena did something wrong to me, we functioned as a team, united by the familial bond among the Offredi's staff.

Entering Offredi's the next day to collect my final paycheck, I couldn't shake the feeling of despondency. "Hello Elias how's it going?" Tracy greeted me as I walked into the restaurant. "Well I'm fired," I replied with some sarcasm that made her question my statement.

"There's no way," she shook her head, refusing to accept the reality. "Well, there is a way, apparently," I sighed, leaning on the stand she was by with my arm. "I shouldn't be surprised though; Lorena's parents strongly dislike me."

Suddenly I saw a family of 5 come up to the stand. I stepped aside to allow them to request a table. "I'm sorry, but I've got to seat these people," she apologized with concern. "It's okay," I exhaled a breath of frustration as she retrieved five menus from the rack that was on the side of the stand.

"Please text me if you want to talk," she told me with a slight frown. I nodded and went to the kitchen. On my apron I took my name tag. My name tag weighed heavy with regret. I looked around and tried to see if Lorena was there. As she finally caught my eye, I noticed that her head was down concentrating on adding a mixture to a recipe.

I missed being with her so much, too much that it hurt with a deep ache. She was so beautiful--those eyes I could lose myself in for eternity, and a heart of gold that I couldn't help but admire. Even when she didn't realize it, she looked like a masterpiece. Our separation was painful, like a piece of me was gone. Gosh, I wish I didn't miss her as much as I did.

She hurt you, Elias, move on.

Stop thinking about her.

Lorena lifted her head and once I exited my deep thoughts, I noticed she made direct eye contact with me. As I looked away, I made my way to the shed outside.

I don't understand why I couldn't just get my last check in the kitchen, but they insisted that I meet them in the shed. In my opinion, it seemed a bit creepy. Nonetheless, I focused my mind. Time to confront what we don't want to do.

I walked against the moving gravel beneath me. There was a path with stone rocks and fairy lights. The lights were not on, however, because it was 10 am. Opening the shed door, I was greeted by Mr. Offredi, still in his work uniform. "Hello, Elias."

"Hello, Mr. Offredi. I grabbed my name tag from my apron and I am ready to turn it in, if you wish." I said, trying to maintain a strong tone.

"Yes, please hand it over." He held his hand out and waited for me to obey his task. His words were firm and demanding. I placed the name tag out and I waited for him to give me the check.

"Before I give you this check, Elias, I want to tell you something," Mr. Offredi said, his gaze steady and firm. He withdrew his hand slightly as I nodded in acknowledgement.

"Elias, you were a great worker at Offredi's, I will admit," he began, his voice tinged with sincerity. He paused for a moment, scratching his forehead in contemplation. "But I can't have someone working here that I don't trust, so I hope you understand."

His words hit me like a heavy blow, and I instinctively took a step back, my mind coming up with an answer. "I completely understand, Mr. Offredi," I managed to reply.

Mr. Offredi chuckled, a hint of disbelief present in his tone. "I can't believe how understanding you are about this." His expression softened slightly.

"Oh no, I don't understand, Mr. Offredi, but I don't want to create anymore conflict between us."

Maybe that wasn't the best reply.

Mr. Offredi retreated behind his desk and opened a drawer. He reached for the check with my name on it. He handed it to me, placing it down gently. "Thank you," I said, my heart feeling heavy with disappointment and resignation. Accepting the check, he only nodded in reply and waited for me to exit.

This was ONE day.

I walked back into the restaurant, my mind completely ticked off, only to be greeted by Tracy once again. Her voice laced with worry as she ran up to me.

"What just happened, Elias?" she inquired, her eyes searching mine for answers.

"I just handed in my badge, Tracy. I have to leave now," I replied, curtly. Tracy was very compassionate, but I couldn't bear to engage in anymore conversation at that moment.

As I left Offredi's and headed to my car, I put my jacket around me tightly, trying to feel some solace through the chill that permeated the air. Vendors were clamoring for attention which only served to exacerbate my frustration, each step feeling heavier than the last as I longed for my car's security. I paced myself through the busy crosswalks with no attention to others.

In the quietness of my vehicle, the silence was deafening, allowing my thoughts about the future to crash into my mind like a hurricane. They swirled with uncertainty and tumultuous emotions. I turned on the car with my keys but did not begin to drive just yet.

I need to leave Wysandale for a bit, if only for a while. The mere thought of returning to Offredi's, haunted by memories of Lorena, filled me with an overwhelming sense of dread. I couldn't face her parents either, because they were disapproving and had an unescaping judgmental gaze.

I needed to banish her off my mind, but she wasn't leaving there. Her presence lingered like a specter, haunting every corner of the town. From the bustling streets to the familiar faces of acquaintances, her memory seemed to pervade every aspect of my existence.

There was only one solution available, the single path forward that promised respite from the suffocating weight of this place.

I need to go to Sweden, to leave Wysandale behind once and for all.

For good.