Quitting time at the diner

(Chapter Seven) Allison was tired. Mid way through an extra shift at the diner has taken its toll. She has three tables currently, and the assholes at table 16 are almost too much. She refills the glass for the fourth time. After making sure there is ample ice.

Her first shift had gone quickly. It was a Saturday so it had been very busy. She hadn’t had time to check the time. Additionally, most of her customers had been on the brighter side. Therefore, the day had passed quickly into the night. Now she was realizing how tired she felt as she neared the end of her work day.

Quitting time at the diner

She returns the drink to the troublesome table 16 and then quickly leaves. The old couple at table 12 flags her down for a refill as well. She tends to it, almost immediately. Because she felt that this couple were very sweet, and had become her favorite people of the day. They had also been so complimentary of Allison. In fact, they were so kind, it had literally turned her day around for the better.

Once she has them settled, she gets the bill ready for table 16. With any luck they will get the idea and leave quickly. She hopes the two men do not tip. Furthermore their aggressive behavior had been so off putting, she would feel much better once they were gone.

With this in mind she gets the bill ready for her remaining tables as well. It would be quitting time at the diner soon. Similarly, Allison is ready for some down time at home. She quickly places the bill on table 16 and feels a sense of relief to have the table finished. She can feel the men watching her as she moves over to table 12 to give the elderly couple their bill.

They are such a charming couple and Allison is very grateful to have met them this evening. She sets the bill on the table. Then she is surprised when the woman gently takes her hand and speaks to her.

The diner

“My dear, you are such a sweetheart, and have provided us with such good service. Walt and I just want to thank you young lady. Furthermore, some of your customers give off a bad vibe. We are concerned for you, and would be happy to wait here and accompany you on your way home.” The elderly lady looks solemnly and kindly at Allison.The lady’s husband quietly nods in agreement.

Allison thanks them and even acknowledges their concerns. However they all feel a sense of relief as the two men at table 16 leave the diner. With no tip, as it turns out. Two hours later and the diner is closing and Allison no longer cares about anything except getting home and going to bed.

As she leaves the diner for her car, she has the feeling of being watched. It is very strong, and her instincts are on full alert. Her mind immediately recalls the men at table 16, and she hustles quickly to her car, and gets inside.

Quitting time

She lives alone, in her one bedroom flat, further away from the city. Her job at the diner is just that. A job. Therefore, she is doing it while she finishes her education. Once she gets her pilot’s license, her job prospects would improve significantly.

She pulls into the parking lot of her apartment complex. She is looking forward to dinner and down time as she exits her car…and comes face to face with the elderly couple from the diner. Allison blinks. Uncertain about how they came to be precisely here.

Nevertheless she recognizes them immediately and smiles and greets them. However, she isn’t prepared for what she hears next. Or how it will change her life forever. She listens intently as the lady speaks kindly to her.

The name

“I apologize if we startled you my dear. Walt and I get around quite a bit for our age,” Walt nods silently, “furthermore, we have something for you dear, along with a small token of our appreciation.” She hands Allison a lavish and ornate small wooden box, and a piece of paper.

“We very much think you should not return to the diner. Don’t go back to the diner Allison. Trust your instincts dear.” The old lady looks kindly at Allison and they turn to leave. Allison feels stunned and perplexed as she examines the small wooden box. It is very ornately carved, and appears to have words on its top most side. Two of them:

Incipimus iterum