Don't Let Me Go

Chapter 2

The cool morning breeze woke Phil up better than his usual morning shower did. Being an early bird had its perks, especially when you want a nice cup of hot coffee at the small coffee shop around the corner. After the events of yesterday Phil felt as if he should reward himself with a warm muffin as well.

As Phil's feet hit the cold pavement his mind wondered to the man named Dan. Why was he stumbling around piss drunk and why wasn't anyone with him? Phil shook these thoughts from his head, not wanting to get frustrated upon the whole ordeal. He also has a mess to clean as soon as he opens up the shop which is something he doesn't look forward to.
     
When Phil looked up after staring at his feet he saw the large neon sign adorned upon the tiny box of a store, Pj and Company's Coffee Shop, a long name but quality people and coffee. He pushed open the glass door to reveal a young man that he has come to know as the Pj.

"Good morning Phil! Early as always." Pj said handing him a small menu.

"Wanna beat the morning rush," Phil said matter of factly, "All those people swarming places just to get a cup of coffee is ridiculous."

"I agree, too many caramel lattes for one guy to handle," Pj sighed loudly, "you're usual?"

Phil nodded in reply as he sat in the stool near the counter. He watched Pj expertly make his way around the small area, making Phil wonder how one guy can remember so many coffee recipes.

"Why is there only one person here all the time?" Asked Phil out of the blue.

Pj looked up at Phil and shrugged, "I don't know. It's easier since there isn't much room but it get's really backed up in rush hour. There is one guy but it's a miracle if he shows up to work in the first place."

"Why don't you fire him?" asked Phil.

"I feel bad for him. He lost his entire family a bit ago and he's taking it pretty hard. He downs alcohol like it's water." Pj elaborates. (I changed Dan's place of work to the coffee shop sorry. Also this is talking about Dan if you didn't put two and two together)

"That sucks. Does he ever show up?" Phil feels bad for prying but he wants to know more.

"Yeah, sometimes. He's scheduled to work with me right now but I guess he isn't coming." Pj slides the schedule to Phil so he can see. "By the way, how's Chris doing?" Pj asked.

"Eh, good I guess. He's still upset about Polly dying." Phil fakes his sadness about the sudden passing of Chris' pet goldfish.

"She was a great fish. I'll hold a funeral for her." Pj begins to plan out the entire funeral so Chris won't have to.

Pj hands Phil his coffee and says his goodbyes. The wind bites at his nose and fingers as he exits the cozy shop. He's even more awake now that he has caffine in his system, making him ready to deal with stupid people all day. He sighs loudly and continues his walk to his store and only realizes he forgot his muffin when he is standing outside of the flower shop doors.

He unlocks the doors and instantly wants to go home when he looks at the large mess. The clumsy drunk man broke three flower pots and managed to bust open a pack of fertilizer. Phil grabs the broom he was using last night and begins to sweep up the large mess the man made. After dumping the mess in the trash he proceeded with mopping up the dried pool of blood. Hopefully the cops don't randomly search his shop for traces of blood because Phil did not feel like bleaching his floor.

He begins to tidy up and do shop things before his "employees" showed up. He doesn't really consider his staff as an actual staff and more like his friends who help out and get a check for doing so. The first person to arrive is Louise. Her blonde and pink hair was pulled into a ponytail and she was wearing her "uniform" which was a light pink shirt and jeans.

"Good morning Philly!" Louise exclaimed.

"Good morning Louise, nice to see you after a week. How's your aunt doing?" He wasn't really interested but he was trying to be nice.

"She's a lot better now. Stupid raw fish." Louise reminded herself to never eat sushi from the gas station.

It was Chris' turn to walk in next. "Good morning Phil. Nice to see you Louise." He looked glum and was hunched over.

"Oh, Chris, I'm so sorry about Polly." Louise patted Chris on the back awkwardly.

"She's in a better place now I guess." Phil swore he saw an actual tear leave his eye.

Soon the group of friends began to work and the store fell silent outside of the noises on the street outside. When the bell on the door suddenly rang everyone was shocked. Chris fell out of his chair and Louise squealed a little. Phil went to the front expecting to find an elderly woman asking for flowers for her son or a frantic parent asking where the bathroom was so their kid wouldn't pee themselves. What Phil found though was unexpected. A freakishly tall man with brown hair was standing near the counter, a large bandage on his forehead.

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