Next Day – A Cheerful Day for Ella
It was one of those rare good days. Ella managed to finish all her work without getting scolded or causing any chaos. As the clock struck 7:30 PM, she approached her manager with a hopeful grin.
Ella: "Ma'am!"
Manager: "Yes?"
Ella: "I've finished everything. Can I leave now?"
Manager: "But your shift ends at 8. Why the rush?"
Ella: "I was a good girl today! No mess, no drama. And it's almost closing time—no one's going to show up now."
Manager: "Still, there's half an hour left."
Ella: (cutely) "Pleaseee~ Consider it a reward for behaving well today?" (puppy eyes)
Manager: (sighs, smiling) "Don't act like my daughter, okay? Fine. Go. But tomorrow, you're staying late."
Ella: "Deal! Thank you, ma'am!" (skips out happily)
"Tonight, it's popcorn, pizza, ice cream… and whatever else I want!" (daydreaming as she walks)
Manager: (watching her leave with a soft smile)
"Sometimes she acts just like a child... Maybe that's why I can't bring myself to fire her."
(She pauses, her expression turning wistful)
"She reminds me of my daughter
Ella returns home and begins getting ready, humming cheerfully as she cleans up and changes into something casual but cute. A little while later, Rey arrives, just as exhausted as always.
Ella: "You're home!"
Rey: "Barely. I'm still alive, though."
Ella: "No need for dinner today—we're eating out, remember?"
Rey: "Right. Let me get changed."
(A few minutes later, Rey comes out ready to go.)
---
Scene: On the Way to the Theater
Rey: (excited) "I still can't believe it! Damian might show up at the theater for a live audience meet! What if I get to shake hands with him?!"
Ella: "Okay, but you're paying for my snacks today, right?"
Rey: "If Damian shows up, absolutely!"
Ella: (grinning) "Then I really hope he does. If his silly handshake can buy me food, I'm all for it."
The movie begins. The screen lights up with a dramatic shot of the city skyline, music blaring. Rey is already leaning forward, eyes wide with excitement.
Rey: (whispering) "He's going to show up any second now!"
Ella? She's more interested in her popcorn. She munches away, barely watching, her eyes occasionally glancing at the screen.
Then, the crowd erupts into cheers.
Audience: "Woooo! Damian!"
Ella blinks and looks up at the screen.
the hero enters with a mask and a hat with a long coat and a charming look like prince.
Ella: (frowning slightly, whispering to herself) "Why does that look so... familiar?"
She keeps staring, brow furrowed. His voice. That voice. It's muffled in the film, but it sparks something.
Ella: (thinking)
"Wait... that tone... that way of talking... I've heard it before."
She shakes it off and goes back to her snack, but the thought lingers.
A few more scenes pass. More action. More drama.
Her hand freezes midway to her mouth. Her eyes widen.
Ella: (whispers again, confused)
"Okay… I have seen this guy before. But where...?"
She tries to recall. Her mind flipping through memories like photo albums.
Suddenly—
The café.
The messy floor.
The muddy shoes.
The desperate voice: "Did you see a phone anywhere?"
It all comes rushing back.
Ella: (gasps softly)
"It's him... That guy from the café! The rude one!"
She sinks into her seat, stunned.
Ella: (under her breath)
"Oh god... I messed with a celebrity? I threatened a famous actor over his own phone?!"
She covers her face in horror, her thoughts spinning.
The popcorn bucket now sits forgotten on her lap.
The crowd surged with excitement as Damian stood on stage, ready to greet his fans. The line was slowly moving forward. Soon, it was their row's turn.