Eat and Run

"The shop is closed for the day," Annalise heard as she stepped into the restaurant, her eyes immediately drawn to the mouthwatering food on display.

Her stomach grumbled in protest, a reminder that she couldn't just keep wandering without a meal.

Unlike others who might content themselves with home-cooked meals, Annalise craved the unique flavors of a restaurant. She stepped inside, crossing her gaze over the empty area until it landed on the woman's voice from the back.

She chose a table despite knowing they were about to close. "Didn't you hear what I said?" the woman asked sharply, emerging from behind the counter, her hands still wet from washing dishes.

Her gaze fell on Annalise, and her eyes narrowed to the window. It was very late, what was a young girl like her doing outside?

And for reasons she couldn't quite explain, she felt compelled to listen to her.

"I'll have everything on the menu," Annalise replied, her expression unwavering. They exchanged steady glances until the woman finally nodded, conceding without another word.

As the woman left to fulfill the order, Annalise seized the moment to check her phone. The notification was glaring: 'You've been removed from this group.'

It was no joke. Her life had changed; friends who she once thought would be there for her had abandoned her the moment they learned of her situation.

How was she supposed to keep going?

That elderly woman from earlier had no idea what it felt like to go from having everything to losing it all. Going from love to disdain.

The school group chats mocked her relentlessly. They branded her as the "fall of the heiress," called her names, and cruelly suggested that she deserved to disappear.

For a moment, Annalise found herself echoing those sentiments; what was left to live for?

She powered off her phone, resolute in her decision to avoid the pain it inflicted, a painful reminder of her rapid downfall.

When the lady returned with a steaming tray brimming with her desired dishes—burgers, fries, pasta, everything she'd ever wanted—Annalise could no longer think of the cost. She didn't care about money; she just wanted to feast. As soon as the food was set before her, she dug in.

The woman watched, astonished. "You might choke if you eat like that," she warned, but Annalise was undeterred, lost in her indulgence, sauce smudging her mouth as she washed it down with water.

One would think she'd consume more than her body could handle, yet she remained the same normal size, defying expectations.

Annalise paused, feeling the woman's eyes on her. She looked up, locking onto the woman's brown gaze. "I prefer to eat alone," she replied, her tone smooth and assertive.

The woman nodded, returning to her dishes.

But Annalise had only lied. She didn't want to be alone, but was devising a plot in her head.

If the woman discovered she had no money, she'd get the authorities involved, and Annalise would find herself in custody.

Thoughts raced through her mind as she ate slowly, plotting her escape. With her meal almost finished, she made a decision—she would run away.

The woman was still busy with dishes, momentarily unaware of her plans.

Annalise rose carefully, ensuring her movements wouldn't alert the woman as she began inching toward the door. With her heart pounding, she reached for the handle, only to find it locked.

Her eyebrows furrowed. Didn't it open when she wanted to enter? How come it was now locked?

Frustration welled up within her as she struggled with the door. Then, she heard footsteps approaching and turned to see the woman standing right behind her, hand firmly gripping her clothing.

"You little thief," she accused. "Trying to skip out without paying?"

Annalise blinked, her eyes narrowing as she quickly devised a response. "I was heading to the restroom," she stated firmly.

"Really? The restroom is that way," the woman replied with a smirk, gesturing toward the toilet inside the restaurant. Her gaze sharpened as she continued, "You don't have any money on you, do you?"

Annalise lowered her head, a flush of embarrassment sweeping across her cheeks. "You were planning to leave without paying for what you ate, weren't you? Didn't anyone teach you that's stealing?" she pressed firmly.

"I knew you were trouble the moment you walked in, but one part of me disregarded that thought. I've been kind to you, giving you what you wanted even though I was going to close the shop, and now you're trying to run without paying?" She continued.

"I'll do the dishes or anything else, but you have to promise to let me go," Annalise asserted.

The woman released her grip on Annalise's dress, folding her arms across her chest. "You have poor manners. Shouldn't the first thing you do be to apologize? Only then might I consider letting you go. Instead, you offer to do the dishes?" she challenged.

She then grabbed Annalise by the hand and pulled her along. "Come on, then. Let's see you do the dishes."

They arrived at a corner stacked high with dirty dishes. A bowl of soapy water and another for rinsing awaited her, along with a towel for drying. Annalise stared at the pile, as if she'd never encountered anything like it before.

"Get started. Do them," the woman commanded, and Annalise stepped forward. Uncertainty clouded her mind as she picked up a plate, dipped it into the soapy water, and immediately placed it into the rinse water without scrubbing.

The woman's eyes widened. "You don't know how to wash dishes?" she questioned, her voice tinged with disbelief. "What do you know how to do?"

Annalise paused, her voice steady. "Nothing. I know how to do nothing."

"Just give that to me," the woman replied, taking the plate from Annalise.

She dipped it into the soapy water, scrubbing it thoroughly before rinsing it, all while Annalise observed. "I should have known better when I saw a young girl walk in here. You came to eat without any money and then you decide to wash the dishes but can't even wash it... Just go," she said firmly.

Annalise blinked in surprise at the woman's words. "You mean you won't call the police on me?" she asked, incredulous.

"No, now go before I change my mind," the woman replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Annalise turned sharply and strode out of the restaurant, the door swinging open as she stepped outside.

She stood at the front, unsure of her next move. The night was pitch dark, likely past midnight, and sleep eluded her. She would have kept walking if she hadn't noticed a group of rugged men a short distance away.

One of them locked eyes with her, a sneer curling his lips.

Panic shot through her; walking away wasn't an option. If she did, he might follow, and she shuddered at the thought of what could happen next.