Chapter 5

"Frank, you ever think about how this place would be if we had robot coworkers? Like, robot buddies hammering away next to us?"

Frank chuckled. "Well, if those robots could fetch me coffee and crack jokes, maybe I'd consider it. Otherwise, I prefer my coworkers human."

Owen laughed, nodding in agreement. "Fair point. Imagine a robot trying to tell one of your dry jokes. It'd short-circuit trying to understand humour."

Frank shot Owen a mock-offended look. "Watch it, kid. My jokes are a work of art. Just an acquired taste."

Owen grinned. "Sure. Picasso would be proud. "

The man was twenty years his senior. In fact, most of the men here were, but that didn't stop the young Owen from conversing with them. He thought there was a kind of wisdom and beauty from their ordinary lives. Some of them were dumb drunks, there was no denying that. However, there were also family men like Frank.

At the same time, he wasn't too close with his co-workers. The age gap really sullied what they could talk about on a daily-basis. It had been a while since Owen last saw Frank so for the first half he talked to him loosely. But over the course of the day, their conversation dwindled into silence.

Lunch arrived and the construction stopped. Owen went on his phone, noticing that someone had messaged him.

> Mary: heyyyyyy 

> Mary: watcha doing?

Owen rubbed the back of his neck. Sitting on the stairwell, water bottle to the side and munching on a granola bar, he considered his response. Mary was…Mary, for a lack of a better term. Her quirks had consequences. Still, Owen missed her and the fact that she wasn't on the same continent as him did hurt.

> Owen: Sorry, I was working.

Mary's message came instantly. Like seriously, there was no room for pause or hesitation.

> Mary: babe

> Mary: its okay

> Mary: you got bills to pay i know

> Mary: soooo i got you something!

Owen crossed an arm and smiled. "Really? Again?"

> Owen: Can you tell me what it is?

> Mary: nope!

> Mary: its a secret! 

> Mary: u will know when you get it

> Owen: A new air fryer!????

> Mary: nothing THAT boring

> Mary: but noted for next time 

"What are you smiling about?"

Owen's smile turned upside down and he sighed in his head. It was Boss Mike.

"Breaks almost over," Boss Mike said, clapping his hands. "Chop-chop, Owen, we need you on the scaffolding for the next round of concrete pouring. You know where to go. I'll refill your bottle in the meantime."

He snatched the bottle before Owen could protest and left to refill the empty bottle. A sigh left his lips.

Mike wasn't a bad man, per say. The issue was that he pushed Owen to do a lot of work. Like…an unnecessary amount of work. There was a reason Owen was known as the Handy Man. He went everywhere because he was forced to go everywhere—because of Boss Mike. 

> Owen: gtg

> Mary: stay safe!!!!

He put his phone in the pockets of his thick green vest and got up. He stretched his arms high in the air to get the blood flowing.

The hours ticked by. His shoulders were slumped by the end and the weight of his vest seemed heavier with the swear. 

"Owen, good job today." Boss Mike nodded in approval. "See you tomorrow."

"Yes, sir."

Outwardly, Owen took the compliment in stride. He was sure no one knew he was tired, except maybe Frank. Even then, he doubted it. Owen was excellent at acting.

He left the area at about three o'clock noon. The cool breeze outside offered a refreshing contrast to the stifling heat of the workday. He unlocked his bicycle and quickly began going home. 

The small brown buildings whizzed by. He was currently in Downtown Bay. Since his condo was in the north part of the city, he had to ride his way up.

As he did, a subtle thought crossed his mind, 'Hm, I should buy something for Ophelia.' He glanced at every building he races through. Nothing caught his interest.

That was until he passed a quaint bubble tea shop. The day had been arduous, and he knew Ophelia enjoyed these little surprises. A decision formed in his mind, he stopped his bike, locked it in again, and stepped into the shop.

"Hello, there!" The young woman flashed him a smile. Judging by the obscene amounts of Korean imagery and lettering, he assumed this was one of those authentic bubble tea shops.

"Hey," Owen greeted, eyes glancing over the menu above her. "I'll take a jasmine milk tea with pearls, and... make it two.

With two carefully crafted bubble teas in hand, Owen exited the shop. Rather than immediately go, he decided to chill and drink. Once he was halfway done, he put the bottles in the front basket of the bicycle and launched off.

Outside the condo, there was a bicycle rack. So after locking his bike, he entered the condominium with the drinks in hand. His unit was the fifth floor and while he considered taking the elevator he opted for the stairs. Made for a good workout post-work.

Arriving at his door, rather than using his keys, he opted for a soft knock. It was a while—scratch that, a really long while before the door opened. Owen already figured this would happen and remained patient, giving another knock. A couple minutes later, the door creaked open and a sleepy blonde in a golden onesie popped in, yawning.

She was so sleepy and groggy that she didn't even look at him. "Mmm…sorry, who…?"

As expected, Ophelia had just woken up. It was almost one o'clock. Owen laughed. 

Ophelia's eyes widened, recognizing the familiar voice. In an instant, the grogginess transformed into a bright smile. Without a word, she threw her arms around him in a warm hug

"Mmm, missed you," she mumbled through his shoulder.

His arm tried to pat her arm as best it could, but alas, the bubble tea was taking up too much of his skills. Still, Owen couldn't help but smile, appreciating the simple comfort of being home. However, for Ophelia, the real surprise was yet to be unveiled. Owen pulled back slightly, revealing the bubble teas.

"Thought these might help start your day."

Ophelia's eyes widened. She released Owen from the hug, taking a step back to get a better look at the unexpected treat. He handed the full one over to her. Ophelia's face lit up with delight.

"Bubble tea?! You're the best!"

She hugged him again, a bit tighter this time. And unlike last time, he could pat her on the back and say, "I do my best."