The Debt

Chapter 1

Tonight was breezy and very chilly. The moon was glowing brightly while the black sky engulfed the sides of large buildings that weren't illuminated by the moons light. I looked on in awe, but for only a few moment, until I was snapped back into reality by the sounds of dishes and folding chairs.

I sighed and stopped looking out the window, reaching over for the 4 dollar tip that had been left for me on the nearby table. I tucked the money into my apron pocket and started to grab the stack of soiled cups and dishes on a large serving tray. I hummed as my heels made a soft click against the tile. I pushed open the black doors to the kitchen and placed the dishes in the dishwasher's station.

Looking around at all of my coworkers who were cleaning and packing up for the night.  A smile seem to plaster itself on my face and in the moment I decided to give my staff a small speech. I appreciatd their hard work so why the hell wouldn't I?

I quickly settled on tapping a spoon against a sauce pan to grab their attention.  Once I saw that their attention was fixed on me, I took a breath and spoke out.

  "Hey guys listen I just wanted to say... thank you so much... to everyone, really!..." Pausing I took in another gulp of air "I'm just so thankful that we can keep franzellis open because of everyone's hard work. I couldn't be any more grateful! So thank you"

My staff gave me smiles, and soft and kinds words while simply nodding. I heard my best friend Maddie waltzing her way over to me, her heels we're always a loud and dead give away "AWWWWW, Raven you say that little speech almost every day...  honestly I feel so loved!" Maddie pretended to wipe away tears on her cheeks, and I couldn't help but laugh. 

She gave me a smile and shook her head."But lets be serious girl" carefully she took my hands and held them "Your dad would be so proud of you....i guarentee it" her words were kind but I couldn't help but feel sad.

Ah yes... That one thing I would have to live with forever, that would always remind me and come back no matter how much I tried to ignore it.... My father had recently passed about 2 months ago and I was a mess.... to say the very least.

He was an amazing man and father he was honest, loyal, civilized but at times he could be stubborn. But hey who wasnt?... But when he died, I couldn't even look at myself in the mirror let alone the restaurant.- However, without a owner, the restaurant was going to crash from being closed for so long. My dad had entrusted me with Franzellis so it was my responsibility to keep it up and running. To keep it a place where you could unwind, laugh, and spend time with your family. Make memories, and of course enjoy delicious Italian food.

So I got up, brushed away my tears, put on a big and brave smile, and started working again.  Luckily I can say it was a  good distraction from the lingering depression and of course the overall pain...

Realizing I was spacing out I gave maddie a bright smile and invited her in for another hug. Happily she gave in, and held me tightly before letting go and walking off to help finish the dishes. She always gave one hell of a bear hug. I giggled and walked out of the kitchen and into the dining hall. Grabbing a spray bottle, and some paper towels from the shelf.  I got started on the last chore of the night...or so I thought.

I was spraying and cleaning the tables as my coworkers said their goodbyes to me. Their voices slowly disappearing as they all walked out the back door. I heard the door close one last time and everything was now silent, well besides the small tapping of my heels, and a radio which was playing some soft jazz.  I kept cleaning, only hearing the low melody and lyrics from the radio. I couldn't wait to finish up my work, go home, kick off my heels and get rid of this uniform, then climb into my bed. Finally I had finished all the tables then I started to turn off the lights. But then I heard... the jiggle of the bell we had in the front,  ding...?