The Break

Camie woke up the next morning very refreshed. When her eyes opened, she was wide awake and ready for the day. It was as if she had cried all the tension from the past month away. She did not realize how much she was stressing out from staying still during the day to sleeping away from Ficus until last night. It felt good to be relieved of all that. The light from the sunrise creeped in from the front and dyed the room in a light marigold hue. It was the first time that Camie thought the dawn from the room looked beautiful. She walked to the edge of the counter, closest to the stairs, and basked in the warmth of the light. There she waited for Albert, standing with her hands clasped below her waist and a smile that stretched from ear to ear.

The floors upstairs creaked.

“Morning,” yawned Albert as he walked down the stairs.

Camie leapt towards him, arms open, as soon as he was close enough. “Albert!” She greeted him energetically.

“Woah!” Albert was barely quick enough to catch her. “Camie!”

“Hehehe,” she giggled. “Morning!” she threw her hands up and grinned.

That was dangerous. However, Albert's heart melted a bit, many of the customers greeted him whenever they visited, but Camie’s greeting was very different, in a good way.

He set her down. “Camie,” his tone was serious. “Don’t jump like that. It’s dangerous. What if you fall?”

“But…,” Camie stared at her feet, unable to look at his stern face. “Camie missed moving in the day.”

“Camie…,” Albert’s voice hushed. Camie looked up. Her eyes seemed to twinkle and beg for a favorable answer.

Albert stood his ground. “You still shouldn’t do that. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

Camie’s lips trembled, making Albert doubt his decision. What he came to was a halfway mark. “If you want to move around, then how about I close the shop whenever it’s not busy?”

Albert closed his eyes to wait for a positive response while Camie thought about her answer. “You can also explore wherever you want when it’s closed,” he added.

“Okay.” Her reply was quick to accept.

Albert let out a sigh of relief and opened his eyes. “That’s great. I’ll go change the schedule right now.”

Albert walked outside and approached the store’s street stand. The sun was beginning to reveal itself more, brightening the streets to show their true colors. It was a peaceful daybreak. There were the occasional plants in a vivid green, scattered along each house and standing out among the myriad of pastel colors. The family from the florist shop on the other side of the street were setting up plants dotted with flowers of the rainbow. As Albert was rewriting the board, one of the two kids, an elder daughter 19 years of age, walked over to greet him.

“Good morning Albert!” she said cheerily.

Albert looked up. “Oh! Morning Lucy.” He finished his writing and stood up. “How's it going?”

Lucy revealed a small potted plant. “Since we rarely see each other anymore, ever since you took over the store, I thought I would give you this.”

“Coriander?” He took the plant and brought his nose over to sniff the fragrant scent. “Thanks! I’ll definitely use it.” He smiled. “The basil you gave me on my first day managing the store is still growing fine.”

“That’s good to hear!” replied Lucy. “I do hope you’re doing well. It must be stressful handling everything by yourself.”

“Yeah, well, it’s been a few years, so I’ve gotten the hang of it. Mr. Percy’s also been helping me with the official filings so I can focus on handling the shop.”

“I’m glad that you are doing fine,” smiled Lucy. “Sometimes I get worried about you.”

Albert chuckled. “You don’t need to fuss over that. You’re always like this, even when we were younger.”

“That’s because you always overwork yourself!” she responded. “You would always push yourself too hard, even if it’s not for you.”

“But I’m really fine,” assured Albert.

Lucy scoffed in return. “People care about you more than you think. Please take care of yourself.” Her face was stern enough for Albert to feel shivers up his back. “I have to go now. But before that, I repeat, do not push yourself.” And with that, she turned back and walked towards her house.

“Lucy!” Albert called out. “Thanks! I won’t push myself.” His smile was weak as if he was hoping for a pardon.

She turned around. Her dark hair glimmered into gold from the sun, and she disclosed a softened forlorn look. “Thank you,” she murmured with a still anxious tone. Then, she returned to the shop.

Albert watched Lucy walk back until he entered his store. He saw the clock. His eyes widened. “The time! I’m behind schedule!” He placed the plant from Lucy by the window before rushing over to Camie and placing her between Happy and Fluffy. From there, he began cleaning the kitchen and sorting the ingredients onto the counter.

Camie, who had already seen Albert repeat this process over and over again for at least a month, stepped forward from her position.

“Can Camie help?”

“Sorry not now,” he replied hurriedly while wiping the counter in a frenzy.

“Why not? Camie’s seen you do it many times.”

“Please stay there Camie.” Albert was now sorting out the ingredients for the day. “I’m in a bit of a rush and don’t want to bump into you.”

“But Camie wants to help Albert,” begged Camie.

“Maybe next time Camie,” Albert replied. He paused and patted Camie on the head. “Now be a good doll and stay still. Customers are going to come in very soon.”

Her lips curled into a small pout. “Okay… ” she said reluctantly.

“Thank you Camie,” he said as he scrambled to finish the last of the tasks.

After a few more minutes of rushing around, Albert stood at the center of the room, relieved that he finished everything on time to open the pub.

“Made it!” he sighed.

Albert took a minute to recover before unlocking the door and opening the business. In no time at all, the tables started filling up. Noise in the form of clinking tableware and conversations packed the room. Albert was back to his usual pacing around. As he was serving the floor, people started to talk to, or rather, compliment him.

“Good work, Albert!”

“Nicely done, Albert.”

He thanked them for their compliments, but those soon became oddly reminiscent.

“You’ve become a fine man, Albert. I’m glad that I was able to see you grow up.”

“It felt like it was only yesterday since I saw you on your first day at work. You’ve truely made the community proud.”

“Albert.” It was Mr. Percy, who was usually busy in the mornings. “I’m sure Sal, bless his soul, would be happy that you’ve moved on with your life. After all, he would worry on his deathbed if you were able to manage the shop as well as have a life, when he decided to pass the store to you.”

“Thanks…,” Albert noticed the increase in praise. Quite odd ones at that. He also thought it was odd that Mr. Percy, who should be working in the city hall office right now as the mayor, to be here in his shop. “What is going on?” he asked.

Suddenly, the door burst open.

“Sorry for the wait folks!” It was Leo, shouting with an idiotically bright face. “Do not fear! The life of the party is here! Captain Leo!”

Albert pointed his suspicions for today’s odd start at Leo. He shot daggers at Leo with not-so-dead eyes, thanks to the early night before.

Leo, completely unaware of the hidden animosity behind the eyes, greeted Albert. “Morning Albert! You look swell today! It must be because you had a great day yesterday.”

“So it was you. What did you tell them?” Albert’s hand tightened around the metal platter he was using.

Leo was showing his grin to the room. “I told you this won’t be the last time the topic comes up,” he responded. “Well, I can’t keep my mouth shut anyways. Not when the city’s treasured li’l Albert, who was once a stubborn worker, finally snatched a girl.”

The room cheered. They were proud of Leo, for he told them the news of progress in Albert’s life. They were proud of Albert. even though they doubted that he actually met a girl because Leo was the one that told them. At least they knew that Albert wasn’t shutting himself in his house.

Albert, however, was reasonably tired with Leo for today’s turn of events.

“Hey Leo.”

Leo turned around and faced the metal platter slamming onto his head. The impact forced him onto his knees. Everyone in the room reduced their noise to silence.

“What was that for?” whined Leo with his hands on his head.

Albert, now towering over the kneeling Leo, glared at him. This time, Leo felt Albert’s anger.

“I swear…,” a train of incomprehensible words raged out of Albert’s mouth like a curse.

“I knew I couldn’t get the idea out of that thick skull, but to think that you told the entire street overnight!” There was no stopping Albert’s rant now. “It seems that I would need to drill the fact in right here, right now.”

“I. Do. Not. Have. Anyone.” With each successive word, he slapped the stunned Leo. Albert crouched down to meet Leo at eye level. Grabbing Leo’s head to face his frown, Albert asked to confirm. “Do you understand?”

A tear welled up in Leo’s eye. Surprised, Albert loosened his grip. Slowly standing up, Leo placed a hand on Albert’s shoulder. “To think that Albert would be able to stand up to me like this. Such a rare occasion.” Leo flicked the droplet away with his finger. “It moves me to tears. To know that the special someone Albert found is able to motivate him to such great lengths.”

“ARE YOU SERIOUS?” In a rage, Albert hurled his tray onto the ground and threw his hands up in exasperation.

The room overheard everything. What was once a silent room exploded into laughter. Everyone reckoned that Leo stretched the truth of what he saw with Albert when they were informed. As expected of Leo whenever the topic of Albert came up.

Mr. Percy chuckled. “To Albert and to Leo!” He toasted to the room.

“Cheers!” the room chorused.

Albert shook his head. “What do I do?”

“NEXT ROUND ON ME!” roared Leo. He laughed like nothing happened.

The morning was filled with pitchers of energy drinks and partying. People were shouting, singing, flinging food, and the works. Albert, on the other hand, was patted every time he served the rounds. At one point, he was dragged over to a table by Leo and forced to drink a full pint. This lasted for a couple hours before people returned to their jobs. As the people began filing out, Albert slouched over in a chair due to his exhaustion.

He locked the door as the last of them left. “Okay Camie, we’re closed.”

Camie, who was perched in her usual spot, trotted to the edge of the counter and let Albert carry her to the floor. The ground was a mess. Drinks pooled here and there, while food splattered almost everywhere.

“Albert,” Camie tugged on his pants. “Can we clean up now? Camie doesn’t like being dirty.”

“Well in that case,” Albert picked up Camie and placed her back on the counter. “Stay here while I clean up.” He brought out a mop and began scrubbing the room as Camie sat and watched.

“Albert?” Camie piped up.

“Yes?”

“Aren’t you tired?” she asked.

“Not really, but that was the most hectic morning I’ve ever experienced. It will probably take a while for me to clean this place up.”

“Okay.”

Camie sat in silence again to ruminate over the morning. Everyone did seem to be nice, especially when they were talking to Albert. It was like they were fond of him for some reason. Today, however, they were a rowdy bunch. It was a big change to how the customers usually acted. She remembered some of the people who would regularly dine at the shop, and she would never have expected them to act that way. Then there was that big guy. Leo. His relationship with Albert seemed unique.

“Albert?”

“Huh?”

“Will Leo be fine?”

“You mean about earlier? Yeah he’ll be fine. Someone like me could never hurt him.”

“But Albert hit Leo with a metal plate. The sound was loud.”

“Leo’s very strong, so don’t worry.”

“Does Albert hate Leo?”

Albert paused his cleaning. “No. It’s just that sometimes he gets too pushy, and the only way to have him listen to me is to use force. We’ve known each other for quite a long time, and we’ve never really fought. So we’re on good terms. I wouldn’t say he’s my friend though.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t like being near him,” Albert replied with a frown. He began sweeping the floor.

“So Albert doesn't like being near Leo, but Albert doesn’t hate Leo.”

“Yes,” he answered. There was a moment of silence, except for the sound of the broom brushing the ground.

“So Albert likes Leo,” said Camie.

Albert didn’t hesitate.“No.”

“But Albert doesn’t hate Leo.”

Albert didn’t want to think about his relationship with Leo too much. “Let’s just say I see him as family that I can’t handle.”

“Family?” Camie asked. “What about Camie? What is Camie to Albert? Is Camie also family?”

“It seems like you’ll be stuck with me, so might as well say we’re family,” he answered after some thinking.

Camie giggled. “Camie is Albert’s family.”

A knock on the door interrupted the pair’s conversation.

“Albert?” A voice from outside sounded like Lucy.

Using hand motions, Albert signaled to Camie to move back to where she should be and stay still. She obliged.

There were a few more knocks before Albert opened the door. He met up with Lucy’s worried face.

“How rare of you to visit, Lucy,” Albert greeted. “Do you want anything?”

“Hi Albert, can I come in?” she asked.

“Umm, sure, it’s a bit messy though.”

Lucy sighed. “Yes, I know.”

“You know?”

“Did you honestly think I would not notice the noise when I live across the street?” she asked, pinching Albert’s cheeks. “Why did you do that.”

“Ithe wath Weo’th faul,” Albert blamed.

Lucy released Albert’s cheeks and stepped inside. “Do you want me to help you clean up?” she offered.

“I’ll be fine,” said Albert as he rubbed his cheeks. “I’m almost done anyways.”

“It was louder than usual, you probably had it rough,” Lucy said. “Sit down, I’ll clean whatever’s left to clean.”

“But—” Albert tried to stop her.

Lucy wouldn’t let him finish. “Didn’t you tell me earlier that you wouldn’t push yourself? Sit down,” she ordered.

Seeing how Lucy probably wouldn’t budge on this matter, Albert took a chair and sat in the kitchen area. The room was tense, as Lucy sweeped away with the broom. Albert sat and watched her.

He stood up. “This feels like I’m forcing you to work for me. Maybe I should—”

“Sit down, it’s fine,” Lucy replied in a gentle but firm voice.

“I’m only going to brew some tea,” pleaded Albert.

“Fine.”

Albert rose from his seat. The tea leaves were located in the cabinet above Camie. As he was picking the tea, Camie whispered, “Another family member?” She had been watching the two’s chemistry.

“Yeah,” Albert whispered back.

He picked his tea and teapot, so he began boiling the water before sitting back in his seat.

“So, Albert.” Lucy’s tone seemed to have softened, as she stopped sweeping and gripped the broom. “I heard about it earlier. I don’t know what kind of woman she is, but as long as you are healthy and happy, you have my full support.”

There was a thud as Albert fell out of his seat. “What? No! If it’s what Leo was talking about, I don’t have anyone!”

“Oh. Is that so?” Lucy raised her head. There was a smile on her face. “That’s a relief. I don’t know what I would’ve done if it was a bad person. I also should’ve known better since it’s you we’re talking about. There’s no way you’d prioritize someone over the shop.”

“Hey! That’s…,” Albert stuttered, but he had no excuses. Albert looked at Camie, who stared straight back with blank eyes, unaware of what exactly they were talking about. He had put aside opening the shop for her to be able to move around. “That’s not true.”

Lucy finished the last of the sweeping. “Huh? Really? I have high doubts” said Lucy, putting away the broom. “The stubborn Albert finally opening his heart to someone?”

“Sure…,” his voice trailed.

The kettle let out a whistle. Albert poured the water into the teapot and let the leaves brew for a while. The room was peaceful.

“If you haven’t noticed, I changed the shop’s schedule.”

“Yeah I did notice. It seems more relaxed,” she said while taking a seat at the other side of the counter on a high chair.

“Yeah, I closed it during the hours where there’s almost no one around.” Albert poured two cups of tea and offered one to Lucy, who took it gladly.The pair sipped their tea and had small chatter between each other.

“The lunch rush will be soon, right?” asked Lucy as she sipped her tea.

“Yeah, I still have some time though,” Albert began to lean back on his chair.

Lucy smiled. “That’s one side of Albert I don’t think anyone else will ever see.”

“What side?” asked Albert.

“The side of you relaxing!” she laughed.

“I guess so,” noted Albert. “But I suppose this too is nice.”

“Yes, it’s great that you know when to stop pushing yourself.” Lucy finished her tea and stood up. “I have to go back. My parents will probably want to take a break by now. Take care, Albert.” She smiled at him.

“Yeah, I will,” he responded. “I should probably prepare for lunch now. See you later.”

As Lucy headed to the door, Albert stood up and called out to her. “Lucy!” She turned around. “I’m also closing the shop after the lunch rush. You can come over if you’re free.”

Lucy smiled. “Thanks! That would be nice.” She accepted and left the shop.

Alone again, Albert turned to the kitchen and continued his day, preparing for the busy hours.