#Chapter 98: One or the Other

Abby The restaurant is buzzing with activity as we prepare for the lunch rush. Karl’s returned to work today, and surprisingly, it doesn’t feel as awkward as I thought it would. In fact, there’s a sense of normalcy that I didn't expect to find. John, especially, is elated to see Karl back. “Karl!” he exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air. “Thanks gods! Get behind this line right now and give me a hand, will you?” Karl smirks and tugs his apron on, nodding. “Sure thing,” he says, crossing the kitchen to the line. “Missed me, huh?” “Don’t make me admit it.” For a fleeting moment, I think to myself, maybe this won’t be so bad after all. But before the thought even has a chance to settle in, the person I was truly dreading the most arrives. Chloe. Almost as though she sensed that something is off, Chloe bursts in through the front door. Her eyes roam around the restaurant, taking in the staff, the prep work, and then they finally land on Karl.