Chapter 0351


    Abby


    It’s been two days since I submitted my statement about the footage to the police, and nothing has


    happened. The health department is taking their sweet time testing my food samples, and there’s


    nothing more that I can do other than wait.


    Sleep has be a rare luxury, and my appetite has all but disappeared. Not to mention the fact that


    the constant barrage of news coverage and social media frenzy over the “worst Alpha gathering in


    history” only adds to the turmoil swirling in my mind.


    I can’t bring myself to watch the news or scroll through the endlessments and posts dissecting


    every aspect of the scandal. Every time I do, it makes me feel sick.


    One evening, as I’m sitting on my couch wondering what to do, I make a decision. I need a break from


    the suffocating istion of my apartment and the judgmental eyes of the world.


    The thought of a dive bar down the street that I visit somewhat regrly crosses my mind—a ce


    where I’m sure nobody will bother me, if they can even make out my face beneath the dimmed lights.


    I put on a simple outfit, determined to keep a low profile, and head out.


    As I step into the bar, I’m relieved to see that it’s almost empty. There are a few other patrons crowded


    around a small TV, watching some sports game or another, and a couple of college kids ying darts


    off to the side. No one even looks my way when I walk in.


    The bartender, a middle-aged man with a weathered face and a salt-and-pepper beard, acknowledges


    my presence with a nod. He starts to mix my drink without asking for my order, because Ie here


    often enough that he knows what I like. We’ve never talked, though.


    As he works, he nces at me and asks the question I’ve been dreading to hear.


    “You’re Abby, right?”


    I hesitate for a moment, my heart sinking. But there''s no point in hiding my identity, especially in a ce


    like this. I nod reluctantly and reply, “Yes, I am. Why do you ask?”


    The bartender doesn''t offer a judgmental look or a harshment. Instead, he simply shrugs and


    continues to prepare my drink. “I’m sorry all of this is happening to you,” he says in a sincere tone.


    My eyes widen. “Pardon?” I blurt out, genuinely surprised.


    He nods. “It’s unfair, you know. Sometimes, the voices of the few can be so loud that they drown out


    the voices of the many. It’s just a fact of life.”


    His words catch me off guard, and I’m grateful for his empathy. It’s a rare thing to find in a world that


    seems so quick to condemn. I watch as he ces the drink in front of me, and I offer him a faint smile


    of appreciation.


    “Wow. Thanks,” I say, taking the ss. It’s cool against my fingers. “I, uh… I haven’t heard anything so


    nice in a little while.”


    He chuckles. “I kinda figured. You look a little worse for wear.”


    He nods thoughtfully, as if weighing my words. “Well, keep your head up, Abby,” he says, his tone


    reassuring. “You’ve got people who are rooting for ya.” Co?tent оf Draмa?ovеls.cом


    “Thanks,” I say, raising my ss. “I’ll try to remember that.”


    …


    Three drinkster, and I’m walking home in the chilly night air. My hands are in my pockets, but there’s


    a sense of warmth nketing my body thanks to the alcohol.All rights ? N?velDrama.Org.