Long days were long and Alice spent most of her shift as she always did: on her feet and rushing around getting orders. Autumn was an especially beautiful time of year in the East. It certainly made up for the sweltering summer months by cooling down and providing a landscape of copper, gold, and vermilion to paint a picturesque memory. Alice knew that these days wouldn't last long. December quickly approached and it felt like it was just around the corner. The worst part was that January followed and it would be two months . . . two months . . .
"Here's your check," Alice said placing the small slip of paper on the edge of the table for the guests to take to the register. She turned to go to another table when she heard Ethel call to her. A break? Yes, she could definitely use one of those. It was starting to slow down a little, so it was a good time for a break. She nodded and shouted back, "Be right there."
Alice placed the order pad into the pocket of her apron and made for the counter. Ethel over the years had become a figure of maternal warmth in a lot of ways for Alice. Ever since her grandmother died, things were tough. And now that Wendy was getting older and getting closer to an age where she would soon learn all about the town's secret, she fretted. What was nice was that Ethel didn't intrude or try to take over. She let Alice handle things and when Alice needed help, Ethel was there to give a hand. Alice wasn't above asking for help.
She moved behind the counter and into the kitchen, heading to the back door because it was nice there. Nice and quiet. A good place to enjoy a bit of peace before going back to work.