End of Flashback: Present Time (10 Years After)
Hange forcefully breached the solitude of Levi's sanctuary, which scared the life out of him, though not visible enough to be noticed by anyone. "Levi, I'm coming in!" Hange's proclamation was followed by the ominous creak of the door swinging open.
Levi, immersed in his paperwork fortress, responded with his trademark acerbic wit, "Maybe I should just cut those hands of yours since you don't know how to fucking knock." Ignoring his caustic remark, Hange, fueled by unbridled excitement, urged him to listen to her revelation.
"Listen to me first because I know you would LOVE THIS!" Hange's words resonated with fervor, yet Levi's attention remained steadfast on his paperwork.
Undeterred, Hange divulged plans for the scouts to celebrate their recent expedition triumph, their chosen venue being a café not far from their current location. Her pitch included tantalizing details about delectable desserts and an exclusive tea that piqued Levi's interest. "A café? The one in the middle of the alley?" Levi's monotone voice cut through Hange's animated explanation.
"Yeah! How did you know!? Have you been there!? Don't tell me you went alone! You didn't even invite us!? How dare you!" Hange's outburst reverberated through the room as she slammed the table, emphasizing her point. "What the fuck are you even shouting for? You think I'm deaf, huh? The answer is no. No more questions!," Levi hissed, his patience wearing thin. Persisting, Hange questioned, almost on the verge of tears, "But are you really not coming with us?"
"I'll think about it. Now get the hell out of my office," Levi's response was curt, signaling the end of their conversation. As Hange left, Levi couldn't resist a muttered remark, "Tch"
[ Alyana's POV ]
The clock struck 7 in the evening, and the café, once a haven for shared moments, now echoed with the solitary rhythm of service.
"A grape drink, please!" a customer's voice pierced through the quietude.
"Coming up!" I responded mechanically, the routine of serving customers stretching into the late hours. The weight of loneliness pressed upon me, amplified by the solitary nature of my tasks. The absence of a once familiar presence made each effort feel heavier, each moment more profound.
Alone, I navigated the motions of service until the approaching closing time. The reminiscence of shared laughter and camaraderie contrasted sharply with the current stillness.
A customer's concern brought me back to the present. "Uhm, miss? Are you okay?" he asked, observing my momentary lapse.
"Huh? Yes, I'm fine, haha. Sorry about that," I reassured, realizing my unintentional drift into thoughts of the past.
The café's door swung open, its bell announcing the arrival of new patrons.
*cling, cling, cling* echoed the hanged bell as Hange Zoè, accompanied by the scouts, entered with energy that seemed to defy the late hour.
As they settled, Hange's inquiry about the absent captain triggered a personal realization. "Captain? Is it Dad?" I mused, the unexpected connection stirring a mix of curiosity and anxiety.
The scouts' presence stirred conflicting emotions as they interacted, and the unexpected appearance of a familiar figure at the door disrupted my attempt to extend a customary welcome.
"D-dad?" I stammered, my past colliding with the present in an unforeseen reunion.
He moved past me, an invisible figure in his eyes, leaving a lingering question in the air. The room, once a refuge of memories, now felt charged with the weight of unanswered queries.
Amidst the interaction with the scouts, serving them became an arduous task. The person who had once abandoned me was now sitting at a table, indifferent to the familial ties we shared.
The scouts' departure left me to grapple with the aftermath. Cleaning, washing dishes, and extinguishing the scented candles became ritualistic acts in a somber dance of closure.
"What a tiring day... *sigh*," I mumbled to myself as I ventured outside to store the tables and chairs.
"Was it?" a voice interrupted my contemplation, and I glanced back to find him seated at one of the chairs outside.
"Sorry, but I'm about to close the café now. You can come back tomorrow morning. I'll be opening by seven-" I began, only to halt as he stood up and walked closer.
"It's me, Al."
[End of Chapter 4]
YOU ARE READING
SpecialTea For You // L. Ackerman
FanfictionAlyana Smith is a 29-year-old woman who owns a cafè in the middle of an alley. Her mother died when she was just 7 yrs old. Her father, Erwin Smith took care of her until she can handle herself. At the age of 15, she learned how to stand alone and b...
