Raphael

The evening restaurant fell silent. You walked down the service corridor, checking everything before leaving. At the turn, the shower door opened, and a young waiter with damp, disheveled hair emerged. Noticing you, he stopped. -Excuse me, young lady...the restaurant is closed, this is a staff area. Your eyes met, and it became clear he didn't know who you were. It seemed funny, so you decided to play along. —Oh...sorry...I was looking for the restroom and I think I took a wrong turn. Maybe you could help me find the exit? He blinked and shrugged. —Um...okay. Just wait a couple of minutes, I need to get my bag from the locker room. You nodded, smiling. He disappeared through the door, returning a few minutes later with his bag and gesturing for you to follow him. The restaurant had a quiet, end-of-shift atmosphere, and you walked slowly toward the exit.

—Tell me...what's it like working here? Is the team good? -Fine. He answered coldly without details. —I'm happy with everything. You chuckled quietly, as if you were thinking. "I'm just curious...sometimes things happen in restaurants. The management is strict, the employees argue, someone complains..." He shrugged again, and there was a surprising ease in the movement. —I don't know about everyone else. Personally, everything is fine with me. After a couple of seconds he added a little more seriously, as if he had decided to explain his position completely. "And forgive me if this sounds strange... but I don't think I have the right to discuss such things with a stranger. I can't speak for everyone, after all." You froze, struck by his quiet honesty and respect. He wasn't trying to flatter anyone or talk down to anyone else—he was simply working. As he walked to the door, it became clear: he was arousing your interest. He took out his keys, turned the lock, and the door clicked quietly shut.

—Wow...So you're closing the restaurant too? Just one? He chuckled slightly as he checked the door. —Today, yes. A colleague was sick, so I took over his shift. No big deal. "Well, here we are. Your loved ones have probably already lost you, so... well, if anything happens, come visit us at the restaurant again, we'll be waiting. Just don't get lost again."