Ever was dancing on the spot, cupping his hands to his mouth and blowing into them. Luna’s deliciously buttery croissants had been such a big part of his life for the first several months of his time on Earth. He had woken up quite early on his day off really craving one, deciding to walk all the way from Mimi’s house down Lygon Street, past Pagoto’s and almost halfway back to the cemetery just to get one.

  He put his chilly hands on the even chillier glass door. The sign was flipped to “Closed”, but the weird thing was that the lights were on inside. Having learned how to use the web browser on his phone recently, he plunged a slightly numb hand into his pocket to search for Luna’s Cafe online. Strange, it should’ve been open according to its listing. Just as he was about to hit “Call”, he caught movement inside.

  The man hesitated, then pointed at him, a smile of recognition dawning across his face. He jogged over and unlocked the door. “Ever!” Glenn said, “how are you mate? Long time no see! What are you doing here?”

  “I was hoping to get one of your mother’s croissants,” Ever said. “But honestly, I just really need to pee first.”

  —--

  “Here you go,” the sandy-haired man said, putting a plate down in front of Ever. “Just a toasted ham and cheese sandwich. It’s not mum’s famous croissant, but it's all I could whip up.”

  Ever had already taken a bite out of it before Glenn finished the sentence. Chewing, he watched him jog once more to the door, this time to lock it, before jogging back to Ever.

  “Thanks Glenn, I appreciate it.”

  Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

  “Ah no sweat!” Glenn said, beaming. “It’s good that you saw me when you did. Mum told me to check the cafe before I came home.”

  “Why isn’t the cafe open today? It says it is online.”

  “Oh what? Really?” Glenn pulled out his phone from his apron, tapped hurriedly, scanned the screen before rocking back in his chair. “Ah damn it. I updated the website but not search or socials. Could you not tell Mum?”

  Ever wiped his hands and mouth on the napkin. “Don’t worry, your secret is safe with me.”

  Glenn nodded gratefully, though a shadow tugged at his smile. “Gran passed away last week.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry.”

  Glenn shook his head, raking his hand through his unkempt hair. “Don’t be. She was getting old. She passed away peacefully in her sleep.”

  Ever nodded reverently; he let his eyes lose focus.

  *Mentor, could you–*

  Already on it.

  Ever held back his smile, refocusing on Glenn. Now that he was looking at him properly, he did notice that he was wearing all black.

  “Is the funeral service today?”

  “Nope, it was earlier in the week.” Seeing Ever’s attention on his black dress shirt and slacks, he added, “Mum just wants me to be respectful I guess.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “Sorry Ever,” he stood up, taking Ever’s plate away. “If you don’t mind, I do have to go now to pray for Gran.”

  “Of course,” Ever said, springing up. “Sorry.”

  “No all good! Mum wouldn’t have minded. ‘Customers first’ as she always said. But yep, she’s waiting at home.”

  “Your Mum?”

  “Yeah,” Glenn smiled conspiratorially, “and my Gran.”