Chapter 12

I left the shop very satisfied. I have never thought that food chosen by yourself tastes so good. I forgot the taste of food long ago. Although Adil taught me how to savor every taste, having something of my own decision is so different.

I reached the shop, and my work went normally. The worst feeling I had this morning disappeared just like that.

It's so weird that just small things are enough to make our day happy. Anyway, I wonder who that new guy in Adil's shop is.

Oh dang, I forgot! I was so happy with the food that I forgot to ask what happened to Adil. I wonder where he went to leave his shop with some other person.

But are they related or something?

Imagining them both together is too bright for my eyes. Two handsome people and I am a potato.

The whole day went smoothly. I walked to his shop again in a daze, with the taste of the food in my mind all along. Those who won't fall in love with food are just robots.

I was a robot before until I found the taste of the beautiful, tasty food he made.

I reached the shop, and it was completely empty. Did they close already? I mean, it's not even 9 yet? I wonder what happened.

The sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the streets as I made my way to the convenience store. The familiar buzz of the city accompanied me, a comforting background noise to my thoughts.

I turned back, and I was surprised to see someone standing in front of me. Furthermore, I flinched and threw a punch, and he caught my hand.

As I saw closely, it was the guy from the morning. What was his name again? I don't remember.

"Asher" He spoke.

"Huh?"

"I am introducing myself. I am AsherWolis. I am Adil Wolis's brother."

Wolis? Is that Adil's last name? Hmm... I never thought to ask. And also wait, brother?

Yeah, can kind of imagine them being brothers.

"I am Violet"

Should I say my last name? I guess I kind of walked away from it, so there is no reason for it, right?

"You look so familiar"

I can't even dare to think that it was a pickup line. He is handsome like a hero, and I am like an ugly roach.

"Well, this is the second time we met after I visited your shop in the morning, and also I don't think I would ever forget YOU if I saw you once"

I mean, who could ever forget a face like his?

"I see that makes sense" He spoke with a smile.

His smile is somewhat creepy. He is smiling, but his eyes look scary for some reason.

"Today, I wanted to close early because we are out of resources. It was too busy"

"Oh, It's alright"

I guess It's time for me to leave.

"Okay then..." I turned to leave

"Want to have dinner with me?"

Huh? Why would he eat with me?

"No, thanks," I spoke and walked away from him quickly.

He IS creepy. I wonder when Adil will come back.

Oh, crap! I forgot to ask about Adil again.

How come I am always forgetting it when I speak to him? Maybe I will ask him tomorrow.

I reached home. I forgot to buy something to eat. What a tiring day. I will eat tomorrow. It's not like I will die if I skip food for a day.

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The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains as I woke up early once more. The remnants of the nightmare lingered, the image of my father's menacing presence etched vividly in my mind. Why did he want me dead? What had I done to deserve such hatred? The weight of despair settled heavily upon me, and tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably.

"Please, Father," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion, "let me live."

But the words hung in the silence of my room, unanswered and unacknowledged. The darkness of the night seemed to cling to me still, refusing to release its grip even in the light of day.

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As I entered Adil's shop, the familiar hustle and bustle greeted me. The line was longer than ever, and I couldn't muster the strength to stand in it today. Perhaps skipping breakfast wouldn't hurt.

Feeling exhausted, I finally arrived at Adil's shop, only to find it closed once again. It seemed like he was doing exceptionally well lately, considering the repeated early closures.

"Good evening," a voice broke the silence.

I turned to see Mr. Asher standing there, his gaze fixed on me. Did I look particularly unattractive today?

"Why...are you staring?" I asked, feeling self-conscious under his scrutiny.

"Are you hungry?" he inquired.

Starving, actually. I hadn't eaten since last night.

"Would you care to join me for some dinner?" he offered.

I couldn't refuse. My stomach was rumbling loudly, and I feared I might faint if I didn't eat soon.

Following him to the back of the shop, he opened the door and gestured for me to sit.

"What would you like to eat, Ms. Violet?" he asked, donning his apron.

"I'm fine with anything," I replied, feeling indecisive.

"Ah, but you must always have a choice of your own when it comes to food," he insisted, a glint of excitement in his eyes. He proceeded to explain each dish on the menu in intricate detail, making my mouth water with anticipation.

After his thorough explanation, he asked if anything sounded appealing. I nodded and pointed to a dish, and he commended my choice before turning to prepare it.

As he cooked, a sense of peace washed over me, soothing my tired soul.