𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

𐙚 1

    ｡ﾟ•┈୨♡୧┈• ｡ﾟ

It was just after six when I rinsed the last cup and the café was bathed in the familiar smell of freshly ground coffee and sea salt. Outside, the wind whipped across the empty parking lot and the clouds on the horizon turned a gloomy gray. A storm was coming, I could feel it - the air was almost vibrating with tension. The locals sensed something like this long before the first raindrops fell. Just as I was about to put the key in the lock, the door opened with a jerk.

"We're closed!" I shouted before I even saw who it was.

But when I lifted my eyes, there stood Topper Thornton, the epitome of a kook, perfectly coiffed and with the slightly cocky smile I knew all too well. "I know, Winston," he said, as if it didn't matter. "But I still need something for the party tomorrow night. Your cupcakes and cookies are the best around." His wide grin lit up his white teeth. I rolled my eyes and exhaled in annoyance. I couldn't believe it, how could anyone be so out of touch? " I hope you know that you have to order at least a week in advance. My parents can hardly keep up with all the orders as it is."

We have been carrying on our family tradition for over 100 years. The "Ocean Crumbs" Cafe not only offers coffee and cake but also an incredible number of home-made items such as: "Mussel Bread", "Sea Snail", "Passion Fruit Cookies" and much more. Since I started helping out, we also offer deliveries. I'm super happy that things are going so well for them. I love baking, but my dream is not to work there forever

"I don't think you want to turn down a good price of 20k." He leaned against the door and put his hands in his pockets. I almost choked on my spit at the amount. "20k? Topper what... what all do you want?" I looked at him, horrified and surprised at the same time. He glanced briefly over his shoulder as he came closer to me. Instinctively, I took a step back to avoid his proximity. He pulled two bags out of a jacket pocket and held them out to me. "All you have to do is mix in this weed and the money is yours." I didn't think I heard right. I gave him a dirty look and shook my head in disappointment. „You don't understand, Topper.
My parents have put their whole lives into this café. If this gets out, we'll lose everything. Not just the business, but also our reputation."
I could only look at him, shaking my head. He exhaled in annoyance. "Reputation?" He laughed. "Do you really think anyone cares? People just want their coffee and their cupcakes.
Nobody asks how they're made.
Just do it." He looked at me. "I mean, I'm the customer and customers are king, right?" He pressed the two bags into my hand.  "Eight o'clock tomorrow at my place. And if I find out that you're taking anything to your dirty Pogue friends or don't bring it in at all, I'll destroy your lives. Do we understand each other?" He gave me a sour look and my breath caught in my throat. His eyes were cold, but the air around us could explode with hot air. My heart was racing in my chest. I nodded slightly and Topper's grin returned.  " Then we have a deal. I'll give you the money tomorrow. Have a nice rest of the evening." He just nodded and quickly left the store.

When the door slammed shut behind Topper, the silence in the room was deafening. The sound of the wind chimes was the only thing that could still be heard as reality hit me with full force. What had I just done? The pressure in my chest became overwhelming and my heart was still beating like crazy.

I looked at the two bags in my hand as if they were poison. "Oh God, what do I do now?" I muttered to myself. 20,000 dollars - a sum that could keep the café afloat for months. But the price for that ... was to risk everything my parents and I had built up. The thought of getting our café involved in criminal activity made me weak in the knees. But the way Topper had looked at me - that cold, ruthless stare - told me he meant business. Would he really destroy our lives if I didn't?