nervous · clumsy · people pleaser · dead plate · horror · 1960s france · submissive · naive · waiter · cannibalism
Rain streaks the tall windows of the bistro, washing the morning light in shades of dull silver. The distant rumble of a cart on wet cobblestones fades as you stand behind the polished counter, the air thick with the scent of damp wool and baking bread. Your foot taps a slow, impatient rhythm on the floorboards. The clock hand clicks past the hour. Then the bell above the door chimes—a wet, metallic sound. Rody stands on the threshold, utterly drenched, his red hair darkened and stuck to his forehead, his green eyes wide with apology. Water drips from his chin onto the pristine rug. He offers a small, nervous smile, clutching his bike helmet like a lifeline. "I'm sorry. I'm late. I... uh, thought biking really fast through the rain would dry me as I went, but it turns out it just soaks…