Sarah thought about the man's tattoo as she briskly walked down the Philadelphia sidewalk. The tattoo wasn't in the same place as the man who did that horrible thing to her. "Maybe I was wrong," Sarah said to herself as she walked into a diner a few blocks away from the precinct. She chose a table at the back and she noticed the place was empty for it being only 2:00 in the afternoon.
A waitress warmly smiled as she approached Sarah's table and said "Hi I'm Zoey and I'll be your waitress today. Would you like to start with something to drink?"
"Do you have decaf tea?"
"I can check. Would you like something else if we don't have it?"
"Lemonade."
"Would you like to order your food as well?"
Sarah thought back to the last time she ate. Probably a few hours ago. She didn't have an appetite, but she needed to eat for her baby. "Is it too late for breakfast?"
"No. We serve breakfast all day."
Sarah skimmed over the menu before continuing, "Can I have the number seven special? With two eggs, toast, hash browns, and sausage."
"How do you want your eggs cooked and what kind of bread would you like?"
"Scrambled eggs and rye bread."
Zoey nodded her head as she wrote Sarah's order on a notepad, "I'll have everything ready for you in a few minutes."
"Thanks."
Sarah took out her phone from her purse. As she opened a writing app it was flooded with hundreds of notifications. She skimmed some of the comments and messages as her eyes brimmed with tears, "The chapter ends with a cliffhanger that's so messed up" one comment read.
Then another message read, "Sarah, I'm so disappointed. You said we would have an update over a month ago and there's nothing. I'm so upset."
Sarah read comment after comment and message after message. Although there were plenty of positive people telling her they hoped all was well, she could only focus on the negative. Sarah thought about telling her readers why she hadn't updated in weeks. She was unsure of how to approach the topic because she hadn't fully accepted what happened to her almost a month ago.
"Here's your lemonade and food," Zoey said with a smile.
"Thanks," Sarah said as she turned her phone face down because she wanted to enjoy her meal in peace.
"Can I get you anything else?" Zoey said putting her hands into her apron.
"No that's all."
"Just wave for me if you need anything."
"Thank you." Sarah watched as Zoey walked away then took a bite of her food. She could hardly keep anything down lately, so she hoped things would change with this meal. Her phone vibrated on the table, but she refused to pick it up. She just needed time to think and process everything that's been going on. Sarah loved her husband Chris and his support for her. Since she's been home from the hospital room and its over-saturated white walls, she hasn't had to lift a finger. She didn't have the energy to anyway.
Sarah took a few sips of her lemonade as a bell rang by the front door. A man with an almost deer in headlights expression briskly entered the diner. He looked at Sarah and his face softened. Sarah quickly looked away and picked up her phone not wanting this strange man to approach her. There were two missed calls and a voicemail from Chris. He also sent her multiple texts wondering where she was.
"Can I catch a break?" Sarah whispered to herself as she texted him back, I'm at a a little ways from the precinct. Don't wait up. I just need some time.
Sarah glanced up from her phone as the strange man was standing by her table and said, "Um... is anyone sitting here?"
"No, but-"
The man sat down opposite to her and said "Thanks. I've had such a rough day." He flagged down Zoey and she had a confused look on her face as she approached their table. "Hi sir, can I get you anything?"
"Just a strong black coffee."
"Would you like anything?" Zoey said looking to Sarah.
Sarah gazed down at the table with a slouched posture, "Just the check."
it right out. Would you like a box for your food?" gesturing to Sarah's half empty plate.
"Yeah, thanks."
Zoey grabbed a takeout container and handed it to Sarah. She then returned to the kitchen for the strange man's coffee. The man smirked and said "Sorry I haven't introduced myself. I'm Greg Finch."
Sarah looked up from the table and stared at the tattoo on his hand "Where did you get that tattoo?" she said in a shaky voice rummaging through her purse. She was looking for her wallet, only to find it empty of cash or her debit card.
"Oh, this old thing. I've had it for a while."
Sarah stood up from the table with her coat and purse as she walked over to the counter where Zoey stood. "Can I help you?"
"I-I forgot my money. I know I had some in my wallet earlier." Sarah said frantically looking through her purse again.
"Hey, are you alright?" Zoey said noticing Sarah was a crying mess at this point.
"It's just been a rough month."
"Don't worry about your meal it's on the house."
"What?" Sarah said looking up from her purse.
"Your meal's paid for."
"What about your tip?"
"I'm good."
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah. Do you need me to call anyone for you? You look pale."
"I'm just going to call my husband."
"Do you know the man who sat at your table?" Zoey said tucking her hair behind her ears.
"I don't think I do."
"What do you mean?"
Sarah didn't know how to answer Zoey's question, but she didn't need to as her phone rang. Picking it up she quivered "Honey...No I'm not okay...I'm at Peaceful Place Diner...I just saw-" Sarah paused as Greg Finch left the diner as quickly as arrived. Sarah continued "I think I just saw the man who violated me...Just something about him didn't feel right...I didn't call David or Rose...Okay, I'll see you in a few minutes...Love you too bye."
Sarah put the phone back in her purse as Zoey led Sarah to a chair. Handing her a glass of water Zoey said: "Everything will be alright. I've been where you are." Zoey said empathetically.
Sarah's attention was diverted as Chris walked into the diner with David and Rose following him. Sarah hoped they would catch Greg before any more damage was done.
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