THE FIRST ENCOUNTER

It was a sunny day. Looking at my watch, I realized that I had arrived a bit too early to the café. I stood in front of a glass door — the banner at the side stated Willow’s Café. Looking at the people inside, I thought there was a party going on, and when I entered, I just clashed with a boy.

I noticed his features: he had brown eyes and pure black hair. He wore all-blue clothes. His face had a shocked expression — his left hand held onto some kind of black file, and in his right hand, he had a coffee. He stopped for a moment, looked right into my eyes, and apologized, saying he was in a hurry, then rushed out of the café.

That's when a co-worker named Appie came to me with an excited face. Appie was a middle-class girl, studying in 12th grade, and was 17, 2 years younger than me. We had been working at Willow’s Café for the past 6 months.

Appie – “Goodness Anon, you saw that guy, right? He was so handsome! You’re so lucky you bumped into him!”

I took a moment to remember his features. While still in my thoughts, Appie nudged my shoulder.

Appie – “Hey! Where are you lost? You think it’s time to help me now?”

Anon – “Yeah, give me a minute. I’ll get changed.”

It was quite a busy day. I don’t know why, but I saw many people wearing blue clothes. They seemed like they hadn’t slept in weeks — but who cares?

Suddenly, a lady in the same blue clothes walked in and ordered a cold coffee. Soon after, she took the glass and started walking, but suddenly, the glass slipped from her hand and shattered into pieces. She held her head in her hands and collapsed onto the broken glass, cutting her leg. Blood started spilling.

Everyone rushed to help. Some people called for an ambulance. She was taken care of by people in the café and sent to the nearby hospital.

I did not approach her and stood my ground at the counter. After the people left, I went to the place where the glass and blood were and wiped it with my handkerchief. I entered the washroom before anyone could see me.

I looked at the kerchief in my hand — it was completely red. Looked like she was a healthy girl. I smelled it. It was just… too intoxicating for me.

But then I heard a knock on the door. It was Appie’s voice.

Appie – “Anon, are you in there? Come out fast, the manager is here!”

I hadn’t expected the manager to come in today.

Quietly, I took the blood-stained handkerchief, still damp and deep red, and slipped it into a sealing plastic cover. My fingers trembled just a little. I tucked it into the inner pocket of my bag, zipped it up, and took one last look in the mirror before heading out of the washroom.

Appie was already outside, arms crossed, her foot tapping the floor impatiently.

Appie – “What took you so long, Anon? Hurry up — we’ve got a sudden meeting!”

Anon – “Yeah, let’s go.”

We moved toward the main floor, weaving through the chatter and clinking of dishes. The café still buzzed with life, despite the earlier chaos. The manager stood near the counter, tall and cheerful, his hands folded neatly in front of him.

He clapped once, gaining everyone’s attention.

“I’ve got news!” he announced, beaming. “My wife and I have been blessed with a baby girl today!”

The café burst into claps and cheers. Some whistled, some smiled. I offered a polite grin, but my mind was elsewhere.

“To celebrate,” the manager continued, pulling out a small stack of envelopes, “we’re giving everyone a small bonus for today. You’ve all worked hard — go home early, enjoy the rest of the day!”

A round of cheers followed, and people began to scatter, collecting their envelopes, laughing, and making calls.

But then—

Manager – “Anon, wait a minute.”

I stopped in my tracks and turned back. His expression had shifted into something softer — not quite a smile.

“I know you’ve been having a hard time with money lately,” he said, lowering his voice. “So I have an offer for you.”

I tilted my head slightly, curious but cautious.

He continued, “The café usually closes at nine, but we’ve had some late-night requests recently. Private events, nothing fancy. I need someone to stay back, just to keep an eye on things, serve a few drinks. It’s quiet work, and the pay’s extra.”

He paused.

“What do you say?”

I hesitated.

Something about the offer felt… off. Maybe it was the way he looked at me, or maybe I was just being paranoid after the strange morning. Still, money was money.

Anon – “Alright. I’ll do it.”

The manager nodded with approval. “Good. Come by at ten tonight. Just you — keep it quiet. It’s kind of… exclusive.”

He didn’t wait for a reply before walking off, leaving me staring after him with a strange feeling crawling under my skin.

Appie came up beside me, holding her bonus envelope with a grin. “Guess today was lucky for you. First the mystery guy, now a bonus and special night shift? What’s next, a lottery win?”

I laughed, but it was hollow. Something told me this night wouldn’t be like the others.

Not at all

all I can do is wait for it to come and reveal itself....

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