A Hero I Look Up To

What Do I Do?

One year ago, after being dismissed from babysitting Tobio, the first thing he did was to drive to Red Lotus Cafe. Before that, he glanced back at the two story house for one last time with the lights still on as Tobio and his parents were facing eye to eye with each other. He let out a smile before he set off and let out a sigh..

"So... this is it. This is the last time we meet... huh?" Chris let out a sigh before he pivoted to his right as he head towards the car, gaze lowered onto the ground. "See you whenever, Tobio. I hope I've influenced you... enough."

As he got into the car, he pulled the car door to close the doors and took his phone out of his pocket to pin Tobio's messages to the top, hoping he'd keep the promise to contact him after. He wrote a text saying, I hope to see you soon, Tobio! Then press send along with turning off his phone and setting it aside near the cup holder. He he turned the key and reversed out of the lot, then pulled the shifter to drive to head to the next stop, which was Red Lotus Cafe.

On the way, the car ride was silent. Not a single notification had popped up. Chris' left hand was trembling, knowing that his days with Tobio had come to an end. He remembered the story he once told Tobio when he was only three years old—though he doubted that he'd remember that story. He narrowed his eyes as he was more focused on the road, trying to forget those memories he had made.

***

Chris arrived at the cafe. However, instead of working there was one thing left he had to do: find the manager and tell him he quit. Being dismissed meant there's no purpose in continuing work. He opened the door from his car and slammed it shut, pacing into the cafe's kitchen. His friends, Hokuto and Aiden widened their eyes. They didn't expect to see Chris in a depressive state.

"Sup man!" Aiden waved with a nervous smile on his face. "You came a little later than usual, didn't ya?"

Chris let out a sigh. He couldn't look at the eyes of his co-workers. His blood went cold and he took two steps back as his breath was shuddering. He didn't want to work... nor did he feel like working. He wanted to leave.

"Chris...?" Hokuto dropped a spoon onto the ground and held onto Chris' trembling shoulders. "Hey... are you alright? Where's the little one?"

Chris clenched a fist. How was he supposed to tell his workers he won't be here anymore? He finally lifted his gaze up to them with narrowed eyes. Aiden took a step back as his eyes were still widened. Hokuto let go of Chris' trembling shoulders and the more he saw that face, the more he realized something was seriously up.

"After today... I won't work here anymore..." Chris announced with his voice slowly breaking down. "I... I'm sorry.... I just wanted to take care of myself, and..."

"Hey, it's okay man!" Aiden let out a smile. "Luckily you, Hokuto, and I still keep in contact, so we can talk as long as we want to!"

"Yeah... you can enjoy the rest of your shift... then we can make a proper goodbye." Hokuto rushed to the fridge to bring out a slice of red velvet cake for Chris. "Take this as our parting gift!"

"Hah... thanks guys..." Chris let out a faint smile. "Let's make this job the best one..."

***

Chris had finished his job. He let out a sigh as was able to tell the manager that he was no longer able to continue working at the cafe. It was time to go home. However, something felt off. Tobio hadn't replied at all. Chris was sure he forgot, but that didn't seem to be the case.

What could be going on...? Chris took his phone out of his pocket and opened his phone to see no notifications present on his phone. Usually Tobio would react or respond to this message...