Time went by as Stanley went on continuing his work, with the thought of the essay still burning into his mind. Not as many customers as yesterday showed up today, but Stanley found it to be more manageable, even when putting up with some unruly people. Hilary and some employers were there to back Stanley up and tell them off.

Pretty soon, he had a break. Stanley went over to a bench to have himself a Dry Roasted Soy Taco that he bought at a store, along with Pineapple Fruit Salad and Grapefruit Tornado frosty for the drink.

What am I going to do? Stanley thought to himself as he sighed.

To his surprise, Hilary walked over to him with her hands behind her back.

“Hey there, how’s it going?” She greeted with another warm smile.

“Oh, hi, nothing much,” Stanley said.

“So, do you have any plans later today?”

“Well, no, I had nothing planned. Why do you ask?”

“Are you new here in town? Why don’t I show you around? That is, if it’s alright with you. I know this sweets shop that’s cool, called Midnight Delight. It’s not far from here...”

“Oh, sure! I’d love to go, but what about our shifts?”

“If you’re worried about the overnight shifts, then there’s no need. It’s not our turn today, so we can head there after work is over.” Hilary assured him. She clasped her hands. “Does that sound great?”

“Yeah, it does!” Stanley exclaimed.

“Great, I’ll come to get you when you finished your work.”

This was what Stanley needed, a beautiful place to go to with a familiar face. Should put his troubled mind at ease. He couldn’t wait until later that day and tried to hold his excitement without letting it impede his work.

.-.-.-.

Once work had finished for the both of them, Stanley and Hilary headed toward the Midnight Delight. They came across a white building with a light brown cinnamon-colored roof and two cute cakes with strawberries on top near its sign. It also had the windows garnished with little plastic chocolate-covered balls, hanging on the side along with planted small flowers near the door and its light pink doormat.

The two entered and noticed the long line. It would take a while to check out the display case and talk to the two workers behind the desk. Hilary and Stanley looked around to sightsee at the décor, the wooden textures on the floor, and colorful wallpapers blended and matched well. Small tables are planted on the ground along with doilies resting on top to go with the matching chairs. They even have stuff like those outside the shop.

Unsure what to talk about, Stanley hoped things wouldn’t be another awkward moment between the two. Hilary broke the silence, which caught him by surprise.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

“Um, I’m sorry I invited you here at such an awkward time. I didn’t know this was...”

“Oh, it’s no worries, I don’t mind at all,” Stanley reassured her.

“Really? You mean it?” Hilary asked. Stanley nodded. “Hey, since we’re here, I wanted to discuss something with you. It’s about the store.”

“You mean like this one?”

“No, The Purple Spoon, the one we were just at.” Hilary corrected him. “I agree with you; we have to change those items in the store.”

“But wait, I didn’t say anything to you, so how did you—?”

“I... couldn’t help but overhear what you just said.” She admitted, rubbing her foot against the floor.

“You eavesdropped on us?!” Stanley asked, exasperated.

“No, it’s just that you two were being way too loud; besides, I can’t imagine losing jobs or working in a place where this can exist for so long. All because of...”

“Next, please.” A worker behind the counter called out.

Stanley and Hilary walked forward after finding the line had disappeared, and they were next in line. The two glanced at the cake display. The variety of different treats available almost made their mouths water.

“So, what’ll it be?” The worker questioned.

“I’ll have a Banana Cheesecake, please,” Stanley replied.

“And I’d like a Pineapple and Saffron Molten Cake please,” Hilary added.

“Oh, I’m sorry, but it seems we’re out of Banana Cheesecake.” The employer said, sadly.

“What? Aw, man.” Stanley whined.

“But what about the one over there?” Hilary pointed out.

“That one is only on display.” The other worker mentioned. “Would you like anything else?”

“No, I’ll have what she’s having,” Stanley responded. “I’d also like a Raspberry Fruitcake if that’s available.”

“Of course, be right back.”

The two got their snacks, paid for the meals, said goodbye to the employees before leaving the scene. They went outside and found a table nearby, so they could eat their snacks and drink their Hazelnut Critter Coffee to go along with it. It got close to dawn, not as many people walked around like before. The skies looked like they were on fire as the clouds turned gray. As Stanley and Hilary relaxed, they also took the time to notice the beautiful scenery all around them.

It was then, Stanley couldn’t help but feel curious about what Hilary mentioned the day before.

“Hilary, if you don’t mind me asking, what did you mean by what you said the other day?”

“About what?” Hilary questioned as her head tilted in confusion.

“You mentioned wishing you could do something when I talked about the town. What did you mean?”

“Oh, that.” Hilary lowered her head, staring at her cup and changing her tone of voice. “You might not understand, since you just moved here not too long ago. But, I’m sick of this place; I want to travel the world and write stories about my experience. I was hoping to do so for a while, but I don’t have enough money...”

“Well, maybe I can help you out?”

“Huh?”

“I’m not sure what I can do, but I’d like to try to help. I can get money, tools, and travel stuff needed to get passports. One for you and one for me. Well, if you don’t mind me tagging along, but it might take longer...”

“Oh, I don’t mind at all, thanks so much,” Hilary said, her face beaming.

“You’re welcome.”

“When I get home, I’m going to see if I can write this down in my journal.”

“Ah, let’s hurry back then.”

The two exchanged smiles at one another. As the two headed back, a shadowy figure from next to the walls watched the two of them with its piercing red eyes. It took out a small phone, dialed up a number, and then slipped back into the darkness to avoid getting caught.