416 The Confrontation

Emerald fumbled with the heavy tray, two overflowing milkshakes threatening to topple over. Her heart hammered in her chest. It was only her second day as a waitress at "The Happy Belly," and already, during the after-school rush, things felt chaotic. Across the counter, her boss, Ms. Lopez, barked orders, her voice tight. "Emerald, table six needs refills!" "And where are those burgers for eight?" Emerald flinched, nearly spilling a milkshake. Just then, a hand reached out, steady and calm, taking the tray from her. Another waiter, Ezekiel, was a senior with a kind smile. "Here, let me show you," he said, his voice warm. He expertly maneuvered the tray through the crowd, placing the milkshakes on table six. Back at the counter, he lowered the tray gently. "Those burgers for eight are up next." Ms. Lopez can be a bit... intense but don't worry. "We all work here as a team." Emerald let out a shaky breath. "Thanks, Ezekiel. I really appreciate it. This place seems a lot less happy