Allison eventually made it into the city centre. She could feel the sense of exhilaration as well as claustrophobia of city life the further she goes.
It was a massive adjustment when she moved into the city five years ago.
Growing up she only ever visited major cities maybe once or twice a year for as long as she can remember, only stopping by to see distant relatives for a holiday or a birthday. Something that was more of an obligatory task rather than actually wanting to do it.
Otherwise she grew up in a small city in the outback, where there was nothing to do but drink and smoke and try and stick it to the system. Not that she ever did the last one, but drink and smoke she was a big fan of once she knew how to hide the awful habits from her parents.
At first, she hated the constant movement that was shown in the city. There were always people out and about, always walking in the same direction or the opposite direction (which was even more annoying). If they weren't walking, then they were driving. Why did everyone have to be out driving at the exact same time? Why would a city that was so large in scale have so few spots where you could actually park? Why did every spot have to cost half of your savings? Why must traffic always be happening at some point during the day? She swore that at least once a week she heard news of a car crash that happened on some major highway nearby. People were so arrogant here.
"The smaller the city, the smaller the minds. The bigger the city, the bigger the ego. You'll never win, my love."
That was something that Allison's mum said in passing one time. She was very young when her mother said it, and at first she didn't understand, yet it was something that somehow managed to stick with her all this time. Safe to say that she understands it completely. It's funny how often kids can just soak up things that they don't understand. Then one day, without even realising it, the idea or phrase just clicks in your head and it all makes sense.
Eventually Allison got the hang of living in a large city. She found comfort in the constant motion of it all. Once she adjusted she saw the system that took place that no one knew was actually there. Once she got the hang of that, everything else was easier to adapt to.
It just would have been a whole lot easier if he was here, though.
Without any warning it starts to rain. Allison saw the clouds hanging over the city as she left her house, and yet, it didn't occur to her to bring an umbrella! She finds a little café and runs inside. She immediately could feel the warmth envelop around her like a friendly hug. She could go for a coffee.
She sits down at a table, and soon after, a lovely waitress comes over with a genuine smile.
"Hello, how are you doing today?" she trills. Her hair is cut short, a length that Allison doesn't see many women pull off. It's the pixie hairstyle, it suits the waitress.
She's in short blue jeans and a white shirt that's tucked into it, black overalls are clipped to the waistband of the jeans and thrown over her shoulders. Allison could see a kink in the left overall. She wishes she could fix it up for her, but that might be obnoxious.
"I'm doing well, thank you!"
"Glad to hear." She genuinely sounds like she is happy! "What can I get for you?"
"A cappuccino please," Allison smiles.
"Will that be all for today?"
Allison notices a sign that was proudly advertising the Cake of the Day.
"I'll take a slice of that too, please," Allison says, pointing at the sign.
The girl beams. "This is a cake that I have been trying to get the chef to make. I would bake it myself, but I'm terrible in a kitchen, and I really wanted to try out this cake, and now he's finally made it! No one has ordered it yet, you'll be the first one."
"What kind of cake is it?"
"I'll keep it a surprise. Believe me, it is so worth it. I'll be right out with your order."
And with that she walks back to the till to type in the order and then gets started on the coffee. She looks so happy doing her job, Allison couldn't help but feel a twang of envy. This girl has it all figured out, and here Allison is, starting life from the ground up again.
Allison looks around the café. It's homey – wooden floors, brick walls, polished wooden tables, cute little art hanging around the shop. Most of them were animal related: dogs in parks, an adorable snake biting its own tail, cats resting in little nooks and crannies, little ants residing in a large, red apple.
Hanging up in a corner is a TV. It's inaudible. The news is on – something about the unpredicted rainy weather is showing on the screen. Allison looks away, just in time to see the same lovely waitress walk up with the coffee in her hand.
"Here you are my lovely. I'll be back with your cake."
She briskly walks away again. Allison watches her for a few seconds before looking down at the coffee art. It is a love heart. Typical, but just what Allison needed to see. She's feeling welcomed here. Maybe it's the atmosphere, or the genuine happiness the waitress is radiating. Either way, Allison knew this would be the spot she will be coming back to from now on.
She could see it unfolding, the excited hellos, the workers moving around, getting her order ready before she even steps up to the counter. She would always pay a few dollars extra and insist they keep the change. She will love them and they will love her. They will be a family to her, and hopefully they'll feel the same way.
"Here's the cake."
Allison snaps out of her fantasy and sees a generous slice of a rich, chocolate looking cake.
"It's beet and chocolate!" the waitress beams again. "It's, like, from the same idea as a carrot cake, but it's done with beet and chocolate flavouring instead of whatever is used in a carrot cake. It's supposed to be healthy."
"It looks beautiful," Allison says.
"I haven't had it yet. I've got a slice saved for me in the fridge. I'm going to take it home with me and I will destroy it." She giggles loudly. Allison giggles along with her.
The waitress turns around and the TV catches her eye. She does a tiny gasp. "Oh my God, I remember this!"
Allison looks at the TV as well. She feels her entire system completely shut down.
"I was devastated when I heard about that! Can you believe that it's already been—"
Five years...
Allison starts to shake. Violently shake. The spoon she's holding in her hand is tinkling against the plate the cake is on. The waitress looks back and her eyes widen immediately.
"Ma'am... are you OK?"
Five years Allison thinks. She refuses to believe that it has already been five years. The rain outside is going down heavy, it almost sounds like it's hailing.
The waitress starts to look concern. "Should I be calling someone?"
But everything is fading away. It was a mistake to go outside today. Why didn't she think of this being a possibility? This is far worse than being along with her thoughts. She hears them all the time anyway. She's been dealing with them for
five years
Allison chokes. She breathes again, though short and uneven. She feels something rise within her.
A scream escapes her throat.
YOU ARE READING
Night Shift
Narrativa generale"It's the same routine every night. I've done it so many times I can basically lock everything down to the very millisecond. Hell, maybe even the very nanosecond. "
