Once convinced that Laptop Teen wasn’t going to make that terrible move, Mark wondered what everyone else was up to. Cathy was probably with her family. Mark thought about calling his own dad. It had been a while since they last spoke. Six years, in fact, since he’d stormed out his parents’ house with dreams of fame in his head and bitter words on his tongue. Not even at Mum’s funeral did they exchange words, only heated glares. The phone in his pocket seemed to grow heavier with every thought. Should he call? What would he say? What would Dad say? In the end, Mark couldn’t make up his mind. The blackened screen of his mobile now reflected the overhead lights from its spot on the table. A waitress on roller-skates zipped past and Mark gestured for her to come over. The nametag pinned to her dress introduced her as Jane.
“Can I have a refill?” he asked, holding up his now-empty mug.
“Sure, won’t be long,” Jane replied with a grin before gliding off.
From the way her smile trembled to the way she gripped her arms, Mark could tell she was nervous about the chess game. Around the world, people generally savoured what could be their last day. Still, she worked. If they survived, life would go on. Bills waited for no one. If they didn’t, she wouldn’t have to worry about anything. Jane came back, a steaming pitcher of amber liquid in her hand. “That’ll be three dollars fifty,” she said, fake smile in place. The scent of coffee filled his nostrils as she filled his cup. Wondering why he visited this place with its overpriced and substandard food, he reached for his wallet. He swore. It wasn’t there. Jane looked amused as Mark frantically emptied all his pockets of their goods: stick of gum; car keys; expired coupon, but no wallet. He swore again.
“I… I can’t seem to find my wallet…” He trailed off.
“Don’t worry,” Jane reassured him, the grin on her face real this time. “I’m sure my boss won’t mind if you pay tomorrow.” 24