10 Minute Tales, Part 2

Sep 23 - Midnight Wander

He lived in a quiet town on the edge of nowhere. The town's territory was mostly grassy plains, bisected by a beautiful river that lazily meandered through the town before plummeting off the cliff. He stood on the bridge, looking over the water. A few fish that preferred this time of night were swimming around, after their meal. He brought a collapsing fishing rod out of his pocket and cast the line out, shuffling and sitting down. All he had to do was wait. The fish would come. He hummed softly as he watched them go - until the sound of footsteps distracted him. He looked over, intrigued. It was his secretary, Isabelle.

"Isabelle?" he blinked, confused. It was unlike her to be out this late. "What are you doing out here?" She flinched and looked up, caught off-guard.

"Oh, mayor! I, um..." she chuckled innocently, but soon sighed quietly. "I was hoping to prepare for my vacation soon."

"A vacation?" this surprised him more. "Isabelle, you haven't asked for a vacation for... what, five years? Six? All the time I've been working with you, that's for sure."

"I know, I know..." she rubbed the back of her head awkwardly, taking a seat beside him. "It's just... well, I've gotten an incredible opportunity."

"Oh?"

"You know the magazine I go to? The one with the smashing views?"

"Oh, yes, I've read a couple of those. Not recently, though..."

"Well, there was a contest in one to win a week's holiday over in Angelsea."

"Oh, wow, I hear that place is beautiful."

"Mhm, I've heard the same, so I entered the competition for something to do."

"I'm guessing you won?"

"Not at first, but the actual winner couldn't go so they drew again. I won that time!" she bounced a little, her blonde hair following the motion. He smiled.

"Well, congratulations. I hope you enjoy it."

"Huh? You... you don't mind if I go?"

"Honestly, I want you to go. You've been working so hard I'm worried for your health. When was the last time you got a full seven hours of sleep?"

"Oh, sir, please don't worry about me." she giggled awkwardly. "I've gotten used to four hours, I promise."

"You've done incredible things for this town, and every last resident is grateful. Just..." he sighed, resting a hand on her shoulder. "Please. Get some rest, get some relaxation. Nobody deserves it more than you." she didn't seem to know how to respond at first; eventually, she settled on a tearful smile.

"Sir... I promise, I'll work twice as hard when I come back!" she stood up again, fists clenched in determination. She had the same adorable smile they had when they had first met.

"Don't worry about that, okay? Just focus on having a good time."

"Oh, uh, do you know where the paperwork is for the flower clock plan?"

"It's in cabinet three, near the back."

"O-okay, and what about the train rescheduling?"

"Your desk, top-left drawer."

"Okay..." she nodded, seemingly relieved. "I just... are you certain you'll be okay without me...?"

"Go, Isabelle." he smiled. "I'll be fine."

"If you're certain, mayor." she bowed briefly, then turned to go home. He sighed as she left, returning his attention to the river. Isabelle worked too hard for him. He hoped she would enjoy this holiday.