Chapter 3: Toretto Market & Café, Tuna Mess, and Home?

As the last of the customers trickled out of Toretto Market & Café, Guldrin felt a surge of determination. He glanced over at Emily, who was perched on his shoulder, her white fur oddly blending into the shadows.

*Meow*

"Are you ready, Emily?" he whispered, adjusting his grip on the granola bar as if to add some kind of reassurance to his plan, looking rather comical. He had to be quick and quiet; this was his chance.

He slipped through the slightly ajar door, the warm scent of baked goods and brewed coffee enveloping him like a comforting blanket. The small café was cozy, with wooden counters and chairs scattered throughout, and a glass display case showcasing an array of pastries that made his mouth water. But it was the promise of food that would fill his belly, which he was truly after. Many shelves of food scattered around, canned goods, sodas, bags of chips, odds and ends for car maintenance, a little bit of everything.

Moving cautiously, he navigated through the shelves, his heart racing as he spotted a counter lined with food containers. He scanned the area and saw that the café was empty. The moment felt charged with possibility. He had no idea when the staff would return.

His stomach grumbled again, louder this time, and he quickly spotted a refrigerator behind the counter, its door slightly ajar. Guldrin crept closer, feeling the adrenaline pump through him as he prepared to reach for whatever he could find.

He opened the door just wide enough to see inside. Tins of various foods filled the shelves, and his eyes widened at the sight of a premade tuna salad tucked in the back. His heart leaped with hope; tuna was filling and could last him for days if he stored it right. 'Why do I know what tuna is?' He wondered but shook his head and cleared the useless thoughts.

"Perfect!" he exclaimed, his excitement spilling over as he reached in to grab it.

Just as he was about to pull it out, the door swung open wider, and he froze. A tall, broad-shouldered man walked in, a look of surprise flashing across his face as he spotted Guldrin. "Hey! What are you doing?"

Panic surged again, but before he could react, the man continued, "You're just a kid! Get out of here!"

Guldrin quickly yanked the tuna salad from the fridge, but in his haste, he lost his grip, sending the container tumbling to the floor with a loud,

*Thud*

The lid popped open, spilling the contents everywhere, tuna, mayonnaise, and vegetables splattered across the floor in a grotesque mess.

The man's eyes widened in disbelief, and Guldrin's heart sank. "NOOOOOO." He whined as he saw his food hit the floor but then noticed the look on the man's face, "I didn't mean," he started, but the words caught in his throat as he crouched down to grab what he could salvage.

"Stop right there!" the man barked, stepping forward. "You're making a mess! Why are you stealing food?"

Guldrin's mind raced. He glanced around for an escape but found himself backed into a corner. He could feel Emily's presence tightening beside him, her small form vibrating with worry.

"I'm… I'm just really hungry!" Guldrin shouted, a mix of desperation and defiance in his voice. "I didn't mean to make a mess!"

The man scowled but softened a bit, though the surprise on his face lingered. "Look, kid. You can't just barge in here and cause chaos. What's your name?"

"Guldrin," he muttered, still crouching amid the spilled tuna. "I'm sorry… I just wanted to eat."

The man's expression shifted again, and he sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Alright, Guldrin. But you can't just steal food. If you're that hungry, why don't you help me clean this up, and I'll see what I can do about getting you something to eat?"

Guldrin blinked, surprised by the offer. "You… you'll help me?"

"Yeah, I will. But you need to promise me you won't run off again."

Nodding, Guldrin scrambled to his feet and quickly began gathering the remains of the tuna salad, using a napkin to wipe up as much as he could. Emily watched, her eyes wide, and even though the situation was embarrassing, a flicker of hope ignited within Guldrin.

Once the worst of the mess was cleaned up, the man set a tray on the counter, revealing a freshly made sandwich and a bottle of water. "There. You can have this. But you have to be honest with me. Are you alone out there?"

Guldrin hesitated, considering his options. He could tell the truth or keep lying. Something in the man's eyes made him want to trust him, but fear still clung to his heart. "I… I don't have a home," he finally admitted, his voice small. "I've been trying to survive on my own."

The man nodded slowly, studying him. "I get it. Times are tough kid, especially for a kid with nowhere to go... Just don't make a habit of sneaking into places. Next time, come to me first. Name's Dominic, by the way."

"Thank you, Dominic," Guldrin said, accepting the sandwich with trembling hands. He bit into it, the taste of fresh bread and meat exploding in his mouth, sending waves of relief through him. "I… I won't forget this."

As he savored the food, he could feel Emily relaxing beside him, her presence a steady reminder that he wasn't alone in this.

Dominic leaned against the counter, arms crossed. "So, what's your plan, Guldrin? You can't just keep running and stealing forever."

"I don't know," he replied honestly, wiping his mouth. "I just want to be safe and not go hungry. Maybe find a place to stay… I don't have anywhere to go or… call home? I don't know if I ever did… I can't remember anything…"

Dominic's expression softened further, a mixture of empathy and concern washing over his features. "You're in a tough spot, huh?" He pushed off the counter and straightened up. "Look, you can't keep living like this. It's dangerous out there for a kid your age."

Guldrin swallowed hard, his mouth still half-full of the sandwich. "I know, but I don't have a choice. I can't go back to wherever I came from, because I don't even know where that is."

Dominic's eyes flashed, and in his mind, he remembered a family of purple haired elites, but couldn't even begin to believe he was related to them. Why would he be out here alone if he was a part of such a prestigious family?

"Then let me help you," Dominic offered, his tone firm yet warm. "How about you stay here and help out around the café? My sister and I could use an extra pair of hands, and you'd have a safe place to sleep, as long as you don't mind using my office, and you would have food to eat and not go hungry. What do you say?"

Guldrin blinked, unsure if he had heard correctly. "You… Want me to stay here? Like, for real?"

"Yeah, for real," Dominic replied, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You can help with cleaning, stocking shelves, and maybe even learn how to make a few simple dishes. It'll be good for both of us. I think my sister and girlfriend would like you too."

"I don't know how to do any of that… And what about my cat… Emily? Can she stay too?" Guldrin's voice trailed off, uncertainty creeping back in.

"Hey, everyone starts somewhere, and yes, your cat can stay, you just have to take care of her needs," Dominic reassured him. "We'll teach you. It's not as hard as it seems. Plus, you'll be around people who can help you, and you won't have to worry about going hungry or getting into trouble."

Guldrin's heart raced at the thought of having a place to belong, a stark contrast to the loneliness that had clung to him for so long, even longer than just these few days. He glanced down at the remnants of his sandwich, now a symbol of hope rather than desperation. He came in to steal food, and now he is being given a real chance, it is almost too much for him to handle, "Okay," he finally said, nodding slowly. "I'll do it."

"Great!" Dominic laughed and clapped his hands together once, his enthusiasm infectious. "Let's finish cleaning up here, and then I'll show you the ropes. You'll fit right in, trust me."

With renewed energy, Guldrin and Dominic set to work, cleaning up the mess and putting the kitchen back in order. Emily watched, her white fur now speckled with bits of tuna, her eyes gleaming with approval as she darted around, playfully pawing at the pieces of tuna that had rolled under the counter.

Once they finished, Dominic handed Guldrin a rag and pointed toward a stack of boxes in the corner. "Alright, kid. First job: let's get these supplies unpacked, cleaned, and organized. Think you can handle that?"

Guldrin took a deep breath, determination setting in. "Yeah, I can do that."

As he began unpacking the boxes, Guldrin felt a sense of purpose blossoming within him. For the first time in a long while, he wasn't just trying to survive; he was starting to build a life. Each item he pulled out, be it a jar of pickles, a bag of flour, or cans of soup, it felt like a small piece of stability being added to his world.

"So, tell me more about yourself," Dominic said, casually leaning against the counter. "What do you like to do?"

Guldrin thought for a moment, his hands busy sorting through the supplies. "I used to… well, I don't really remember much. I think I liked drawing, and I would like to try cooking? And I think I loved being outside, exploring… But now…" His voice faltered as he searched for words. "Now, it's just about finding food and not getting caught."

"Drawing, huh?" Dominic replied, intrigued. "That's a good skill. Maybe you can show me some of your work one day. You know, I used to draw when I was a kid too. It was a way to escape for me. Now I enjoy driving, working on cars, anything to do with cars to be honest. If you ever feel up to it, there's a park nearby where you can go to sketch the trees and people."

Guldrin's eyes widened. The thought of being able to express himself through drawing was exciting. "Really? You used to draw?"

"Yup! I still dabble from time to time," Dominic admitted, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "It's good for the soul, I tell ya. Helps clear the mind." Dominic' mind drifted to his cars, but didn't want to overwhelm the kid. Even if kids enjoy seeing his cars, it may be too much for someone who didn't have somewhere to belong till now.

Guldrin couldn't help but smile at the idea. "I'd like that. I haven't done it in a long time… I think?"

"Hey, no pressure. We can take it one step at a time," Dominic encouraged. "Let's focus on getting you settled here first. After that, we'll see what else we can do."

As the afternoon sunlight filtered through the café windows, casting warm hues across the room, Guldrin felt a flicker of hope ignite in his chest. For the first time, he wasn't just a lost child wandering through the shadows; he was becoming part of something. And that something was beginning to feel like home.

Hours later, after they had finished unpacking the boxes, Dominic pulled out a few ingredients from the kitchen fridge. "Alright, time to put your hands to work. How about we whip up something simple together? I'll teach you how to make a quick chicken dish."

Guldrin's eyes lit up with excitement. "Really? I can help with cooking?"

"Absolutely! Just follow my lead, and we'll have something delicious in no time," Dominic replied with a grin.

Guldrin's excitement bubbled over as Dominic guided him through the kitchen. They gathered ingredients, chicken breasts, vegetables, spices, soon the air filled with the savory scents of cooking. Guldrin followed Dominic's instructions, feeling more confident with each step. As he chopped vegetables and stirred the pan, he could feel Emily's watchful gaze, encouraging him silently from her perch on the counter.

Suddenly, the café door swung open, and two women stepped inside, their laughter ringing through the air. Guldrin turned, startled, and felt his heart race. The taller one had long, dark hair tied back, while the other sported a shorter bob and a bright smile.

"Dom!" the one with the bob exclaimed, her eyes widening at the sight before her. "What's going on here?"

"Uh, hey, Mia! Letty!" Dominic responded, glancing over his shoulder with a mixture of surprise and pride, along with intrigue to how they would respond to his little helper. "Meet Guldrin. He's helping me out today."

Guldrin felt his cheeks heat up under their curious gazes. He wiped his hands on a towel, trying to appear composed, but the nervousness bubbling inside him was hard to ignore.

"Helping out, huh?" Letty raised an eyebrow, taking a step closer. "Looks like you're having the brat cook a late lunch for tonight?."

"Yeah," Guldrin managed, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm learning how to cook." He couldn't help but grin at the fresh chicken sizzling in the pan, the aroma enveloping them all.

"Impressive!" Mia chimed in, her voice bright and encouraging. "I can't even get my brother to cook, and you've somehow managed to make him help! How did you two meet?"

Guldrin exchanged a glance with Dominic, who shrugged playfully. "You know me, always looking out for those in need. He had a bit of a rough start, but he's fitting in just fine."

"Rough start?" Letty's expression softened, somehow understanding something from Dom's gaze. "What do you mean?"

"I… I was lost and hungry," Guldrin admitted, his voice barely audible, but there was an unexpected strength in his words but also an underlying fear. "I didn't have a place to stay."

Both women exchanged a glance, and Guldrin could feel their concern washing over him. He didn't want their pity; he just wanted to feel normal. Or at least as normal as he could feel.

"That's why Dominic offered to help me," he continued, trying to shift the conversation. "He's been really nice."

Mia's face lit up with a warm smile. "He is a softie at heart," she teased, elbowing Dominic gently. "Just don't let him fool you! He pretends to be tough, but he has a soft spot for kids."

"Hey, watch it!" Dominic laughed, feigning offense, but his eyes twinkled with amusement. "I'm tough when I need to be. But seriously, Guldrin, if you ever need anything, we're here for you too."

"Really?" Guldrin's blue eyes widened. The warmth in their voices was surprising and refreshing, like sunlight breaking through clouds.

"Of course!" Letty replied, crossing her arms confidently. "We're like a family here. If you need anything, support, advice, or even just someone to talk to, you can count on us. We may not be used to raising a kid, but I wouldn't mind trying. And as they say, if you do something, do it right." She winked and Guldrin hid his face by looking at the stove, his eyes brimming with tears.

"I… thank you," Guldrin stammered, feeling an unfamiliar swell of emotion in his chest. It was overwhelming but in a good way.

"Now, back to cooking!" Mia said, bouncing on her toes. "What's on the menu?"

"Chicken fajitas Dominic replied, motioning for Guldrin to take the lead. "Guldrin here is learning the ropes."

"Go, Guldrin!" Letty cheered, her enthusiasm infectious. "Show us what you've got! Don't go learning any bad habits from Dom though," She cackled and Dominic protested, "Hey, I can cook."

Guldrin felt a surge of confidence as he turned back to the pan. He added the vegetables, stirring them with a sense of purpose. As he cooked, the laughter flowed around him, wrapping him in a cocoon of warmth, something that felt completely foreign to him.

"Just wait until you try it! Dominic has taught me what to do, I will show you he is a good teacher." he declared, a newfound spark igniting in his chest. For the first time in what felt like forever, he was not just surviving; he was thriving.

As the fajitas sizzled and filled the café with its mouth-watering aroma, Guldrin caught Dominic's eye, and they shared a smile. In that moment, amidst the chatter and laughter, Guldrin felt the budding roots of a home starting to take hold, nourishing him in ways he hadn't thought possible.

With every chop of the knife and every laugh shared, the walls around his heart began to crumble, making space for something beautiful: belonging.

'Sign-in available, would you like to sign in at Toretto Market and Café? (Y/N)

"Yes," He whispered but no one heard him.

"Congratulations, you have been awarded: Cooking Basics. Would you like to use it now? (Y/N)" 

"Yes," He spoke again, and his mind was filled with cooking knowledge beyond what Dominic had taught him. How to hold a knife, when to use what, how to make multiple dishes, and much more.