Finding Grace

Mr Palinsky

It's Sunday night and I am cleaning the dirty glasses when the little bell at my door chimes. I turn to see one of my regular customers, Grace, stumble in. She looks drunk but she manages to sit on a stool at the bar and calls for me. "Can I get a banana nutella milkshake"she slurs. "yes, ma'am" I reply. She looks like she's been crying but I don't ever get in my cutomers' business. I slide her the milkshake and she starts gulping it down like she hasn't had a meal in days. I guess that's how drunk people are though. " Hey can I also get some french fries" I hear her say.  "They'll be right out" I reply. I go to the back to start the french fries but I can hear her taking to me. She didn't notice when I left. I hear, "My parents don't care about me, you know? I only have Lily. She's the only person I can count on. She loves me." I rush out when I hear her get up from the stool and walk towards the door. "Hey, you haven't paid" I exclaim but she keeps walking and it sounds like there's shouting outside and that's what calls her out. 

"That's the last time I saw her " I tell the police. This is the third time this week that they've come by to talk to me. Apparently someone saw her walk out of here and me running after her. What they fail to say is that I only followed her to the door. Once I knew she had no intention of paying I let it go. She was drunk and I knew she would be back again. She always was. Or so I thought. I only have cameras inside so I give the police that and my contact information. I tell them about the people that were arguing but I that it had been dark and I wasn't able to see who it was. They thank me for my time but before they leave they order a milkshake to go. "I hope that girl is okay" i say. They just nod and walk out milkshakes in hand.