The cleaner had wanted Deirdre to embarrass herself so much that she had made sure to leave a thick puddle of soap powder on her path.

Deirdre had always considered herself lucky to be able to work in such an accommodating restaurant, where everyone treated her with kindness and respect, but after today, that opinion changed. She had managed to make a few enemies after all.

“It’s fine.” She extended her other arm amid her agony. “Please help me out. If I get changed now, I can still make my shift.”

The Good Samaritan was hard-pressed to go against someone so stubborn, so they led the way.

The entire session was hell from beginning to end. Deirdre’s right hand could not conjure its usual force to press the keys, and it felt like there was an invisible thorn jabbing her elbow. She knew the customers were watching, though, so she forced herself to play despite the pain. By the time it was over, her back was bathed in cold sweat.

Her shift was finally over. Like clockwork, Sam appea