Cafe Manager Berates Teen Worker, Oblivious Her Father Is in the Queue

Lily got a temporary job to afford her art materials, not expecting her boss to lose it on her very first day at the register. It got worse when her estranged father stepped forward to defend her, causing a major upheaval in her life.

Lily entered the café, her excitement obvious—this role was her means to buy art supplies. With dreams of creating vibrant paintings, she eagerly began her job, taking guidance from her colleague, Kyle.

“You’ll manage orders, I’ll handle the coffee, and you’ll run the register. We’re really busy in the mornings, so stay alert,” he advised. “Supposed to have more help, but the manager, Mr. Reynolds, is nuts. Best tip: steer clear of him when possible.”

Lily nodded seriously.

As soon as the “OPEN” sign was flipped, a rush of customers tested her strength. She managed the influx of orders until Mr. Reynolds’s harsh voice halted her.

“Well done, new girl,” Mr. Reynolds said. “You’ve gotten yourself fired on day one.”

“But why, Mr. Reynolds? What did I do wrong?” Lily pleaded.

“You showed up looking ridiculous.” He pointed at Lily’s bright blue hair. “Get back to your circus and leave.”

Lily touched her hair, dyed over the weekend. “There’s nothing about hair color in the dress code… I checked, sir.”

Mr. Reynolds sneered. “Should’ve known better than to hire some bratty teenager. You don’t get professional standards. Leave my café.”

Lily was stunned. Her dreams of buying high-quality paints dissipated as she faced unemployment again.

“You can’t talk to my daughter that way!”

Lily recognized the voice immediately, anger and embarrassment boiling as her father, Damian, stepped out of the queue to confront her manager.

“I’ll speak to my employees—correction, former employees—how I please!” Mr. Reynolds retorted. “Take her back to the circus and don’t come back.”

Lily, mortified, looked down as her father drew near, ready to argue further with Mr. Reynolds.

Caught between a disrespectful manager and an unforgivable father, Lily decided swiftly. “Fine! I’m out!” she announced, glancing regretfully at Kyle before leaving through the back.

“Lily, wait!” her father called. “I need to explain why I left!”

“I don’t want to hear it!” Lily snapped, increasing her pace.

He grabbed her arm. “Just ten minutes… I had no choice but to leave, but now I’m back, wanting to make things right,” he appealed.

Lily shrugged off his hand. “Forget me. I’ve forgotten you,” she replied, rushing to the subway where she finally let herself cry.

Remembering her father’s abandonment, Lily recalled the hardships: financial strain, increased responsibilities, and the silence from a once-adored man. His departure reshaped their lives, forcing her and her mother, Alison, to adjust.

Back home, Lily found solace in painting, despite nearly depleted supplies. Her attempt at art was chaotic, a swirl of colors and emotions on canvas.

“It’s beautiful,” Alison’s voice surprised her. Sharing a rare moment of closeness, Lily couldn’t reveal the day’s events, not wanting to add to her mother’s exhaustion.

Instead, she took charge, insisting on making dinner so Alison could rest. Cooking frozen ravioli was her simple way of caring.

Ultimately, Alison’s inquiry about the café job forced Lily to explain her firing. Her mother’s disbelief and support echoed Lily’s own sense of injustice.

“It was absurd,” Lily agreed. “I’ll look for another job tomorrow.”

“Absolutely,” her mom encouraged. “Setbacks happen, but keep looking forward. There’s always a way through.”

Lily appreciated her mom’s optimism but found it hard to stay hopeful as rejections piled up. Her dwindling art supplies mirrored her spirits, yet her emotional drive fueled creativity.

Turning to social media for support, she posted her artwork online, not expecting much. To her surprise, followers contributed small amounts of money. Determined, she also offered digital art commissions.

Then an unexpected gift arrived: high-quality paints and canvases, anonymously sent. Delighted, Lily speculated it was from an online supporter called ‘artlover,’ based on their comment.

She shared her gratitude via livestream, momentarily setting aside her job hunt to focus on painting.

The next day brought another surprise—a pamphlet for an art competition, sparking her ambition and anxiety over the sender’s identity.

Her concerns grew when she discovered the sender knew her address, without any postage or labels. Realizing it had to be ‘artlover’ again after they sent her a link to the competition, she worried.

“This is creepy, but not something for the police,” Alison concluded after checking ‘artlover’s profile.

Despite her unease, Alison encouraged Lily to join the exhibition. “We’ll be cautious,” she assured. “You can’t miss this chance.”

While hesitant, Lily took her mom’s advice and prepared for the show, dedicating herself to her art.

A few days later, they set up her works at the gallery, with Alison’s support boosting Lily’s confidence. As visitors arrived, Lily kept an eye out for ‘artlover.’

Her work received mixed feedback, but a debate over her paintings caught her ear.

A woman named Miriam praised Lily’s art, emphasizing its emotional depth. She later approached Lily, introducing herself as a teacher from a prestigious art school Lily admired.

Their conversation about Lily’s future and potential left her thrilled, particularly when Miriam bought one of her pieces for a significant amount.

High on the unexpected sale and encouragement, Lily’s joy was dampened by her father’s sudden reappearance.

“I’m glad you used my gift well and joined the competition,” Damian said, smiling.

“Damian!” Alison exclaimed, shocked. “Why are you here?”

Lily had to confess about the café confrontation. “Mom,” she began, “He showed up at my job and yelled when the manager fired me. I didn’t tell you, not wanting to worry you when you’re overworked.”

“But you’re working two jobs?” Damian cut in, confused. “What about the money I sent?”

“It’s all in her college fund,” Alison admitted. “I saved it for her future.”

“What? You were sending money? Why didn’t you use it, Mom?” Lily asked, her voice cracking.

Alison’s decision to save despite their struggle only deepened Lily’s resentment towards Damian.

“You see the pain you’ve caused!” she cried.

Damian tried to justify himself. “I had to leave—to protect you both!” he pleaded, but Alison and Lily were unconvinced. Their argument drew attention, so he led them outside.

Away from the gallery’s buzz, he revealed the truth: he had been in witness protection after exposing a money-laundering scheme. Lily laughed from the shock.

“It’s true,” Damian insisted. “I managed funeral home finances and found errors in one’s books.”

“Really?” Lily asked, still skeptical.

Her mother confirmed it. “It’s the truth.”

“You could’ve told me,” Lily argued, grappling with years of pain and misunderstanding.

As Damian explained his recent freedom, his words offered hope amidst Lily’s turmoil.

“You can attend that art school,” Damian smiled. “Or travel—the world inspires artists.”

“Let’s not rush,” Alison intervened. “College and art school first.”

Lily laughed, a wholesome sound.

“Alright, Ally,” Damian yielded. “Let’s head back in and see more of our artist’s work sold?”

“Sounds good,” her mother agreed.

Despite not winning the big prize, Lily felt satisfied knowing her parents had secured her future.

“No need to console me. You’ve assured my future,” she said when they tried to cheer her up.

Her father admired her wisdom. “You are so wise.”

Damian started joining them for dinner routinely, though he never stayed the night. Neither Lily nor Alison was ready for that yet.

“I found another way to fund my art supplies,” Lily announced one night. “More followers from gallery photos led to commission inquiries.”

“That’s fantastic, sweetheart,” Alison said, surprised. “I didn’t realize art could still bring in money.”

“It’s tough, but I believe college and art school will open more doors,” Lily agreed, smiling at her father. “Maybe I’ll study business or accounting.”

“You’re smarter than me,” Damian chuckled. “I was undecided in college for so long.”

“True,” Alison added, sharing past stories, making the evening feel warmer.

After Damian left, Lily started a new painting, channeling her feelings. By 4 a.m., she had created her best piece yet and shared it online before finally sleeping with a smile.

A few days later, a message inquired about buying her latest artwork. After a moment’s thought, she sold it for $600 and arranged to meet the buyer at the café the next day.

“Perfect timing. I have an interview near there. I can join you for coffee afterward,” Damian suggested.

“Great idea, Dad,” Lily responded, happy.

On her way to the café, she felt nostalgic. Across the street, her father waved to her, but a voice from her side caught her attention.

“Lily?”

“Yes,” she replied. “Are you carson616?”

Before comprehending fully, her father’s frantic yell was followed by a gunshot, silencing everything.

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