Closing Shift

The head cook dropped a ladle. It struck the tiles and rolled under the stove.

The apprentice fetched it. When he stood, she was sitting on the flour crate with her eyes closed.

“I'll finish,” he said.

“You don't know the close.”

“Show me one thing at a time.”

She taught him the taps, the gas, the cloths that went to soak. At the door, she handed him the keys.

He gave them back. “Tomorrow,” he said.

She took the bus home before the last light went out.