The weather was overcast that day; rain began to soak the area. The streets, once bustling with people, were now only marked by their footprints.
 
Alzena gazed at the fogged-up windowpane; several people were sheltering in front of the shop.
 
The sound of the rain and the wind brought a deep sense of calm and peace.
 
A warm cup of coffee accompanied Alzena as she waited for the other employees to arrive. Only Syila arrived first, drenched to the bone.
 
Seeing Syila's condition, Alzena reached into her bag and gave Syila a blue towel with a Doraemon print.
 
"Thanks," Syila said, wrapping the towel around herself.
 
Alzena got Syila a fresh work uniform. "Thank you, Alzena. You went to so much trouble for me," Syila said.
 
"You're welcome. It's no problem; we should help each other as friends," Alzena said, smiling.
 
The rain continued for half a day. From afar, Alzena saw Nina walking with an umbrella; she put it aside next to the shop awning.
 
Nina hugged herself, shivering despite her dry clothes; the rain had made it very cold.
 
Nina asked Alzena for warm water. "Here, drink this first," Alzena said, offering Nina a warm cup of coffee.
 
Nina sipped the coffee; the cold that had been creeping into her body began to recede.
 
"Oh, by the way, Andi hasn't arrived yet, has she?" Nina asked.
 
"She probably won't come; it's already nine o'clock," Alzena replied.
 
"Then who will help you write?"
 
"I can do it myself. I was used to working alone before Andi started here," Alzena answered.
 
"In that case, Syila and I will go to the front; we'll be back later," Nina said, and they both went to the front of the shop.
 
Alzena opened WhatsApp and searched for "Andi~shop."
 
9:15 AM: ("Andi, you're not coming to work today, right?")
 
10:12 AM: ("I can't come today. Please tell the boss I'm taking leave; I'm looking after my sick mother.")
 
"Okay, Andi."
 
Alzena walked to the cashier counter. "Nina, tell the boss that Andi is taking leave today because her mother is sick," Alzena said.
 
"Okay."
 
That day, there weren't many customers, but the sales remained steady.
 
"It seems only five people came today. Should we promote our books?"
 
"That's a good idea. What do you think, Al?"
 
"Hmm, good idea. When should we promote?"
 
"Now," Nina said.
 
"Okay."
 
Alzena, Nina, and Syila started promoting on several platforms: WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and other online applications.
 
"Finally finished."
 
The three sat near the cashier, chatting and laughing.
 
Safia saw customers but they were busy chatting, so she pressed the alert button for their room.
 
"The boss is calling; go to the front. Maybe there are customers," Syila said.
 
Nina hurried to the front; many customers were queuing; apparently, they couldn't come during the rain to buy their favorite books.
 
Nina called Alzena and Syila for help; she was overwhelmed.
 
"Finally finished," Alzena said, exhaling and resting on a long chair.
 
"Al, move over; I want to lie down too; I'm so sore," Syila said.
 
Alzena gave Syila some space and resumed her rest.
 
"These two kids are always sleeping; I'm all alone," Nina grumbled.
 
Nina took her phone, opened TikTok, and the previously quiet atmosphere filled with DJ music.
 
Alzena, disturbed, woke up and leaned against the wall.
 
Nina looked over. "Not sleeping again?"
 
"No, I'm going back to work," Alzena replied, getting up and going to her room.
 
"Wow, Alzena gets up and immediately goes to work," Nina said, shaking her head.
 
Syila looked around; she felt dizzy. "Where's Alzena? Nina, you take over the cashier; I'm still sleepy," Syila asked.
 
"No way. That's what happened yesterday. You're on your own today," Nina refused.
 
"Please… I'm still sleepy," Syila pleaded.
 
"No, look at Alzena; she gets up and immediately works even though she's not fully awake," Nina said.
 
"But just this once," Syila pleaded.
 
"Okay, this is the last time," Nina said, annoyed, leaving Syila.
 
All day, Alzena worked on her computer, designing a book cover using Canva.
 
Nina brought Alzena a packed lunch. "It's okay," Nina said when Alzena refused.
 
Alzena enjoyed the packed lunch.
 
That day, Alzena was busy cleaning her room; dust flew everywhere.
 
After cleaning, Alzena returned to work; it was her turn to watch the shop.
 
Soon, a woman bought all the newly released books. "Thank you for shopping here," Alzena said, smiling politely.
 
The woman left; she seemed to be a fan of the shop's books.
 
Nina and Syila, who had just come from the back of the shop, found one shelf empty.
 
"Al, you haven't restocked that shelf, right?"
 
"Yes, I did. Someone bought all the newly released books this week," Alzena replied; they were both surprised.
 
"Seriously, Al?"
 
"Yes."
 
"Al, how do you get people to buy all the books in the shop?" Syila asked.
 
Alzena explained that friendliness is essential in any job: a warm smile and greeting customers automatically make them happy to buy everything they sell.
 
"Do you understand?" Alzena asked, concluding her story.
 
"Yes." They returned to their positions; that day, they applied Alzena's advice.
 
Later that night, Alzena drove her motorbike slowly; the street was quiet; the moon seemed to follow her.
 
Honk honk
 
Ida didn't hear the motorbike horn; she was engrossed in a soap opera. Alzena honked several times before Ida opened the gate.
 
"You're not asleep yet?" Alzena asked.
 
"No, this is so exciting; I can't sleep," she replied.
 
"Wash your face and pray," Ida said.
 
Alzena washed her face and feet, then prayed.
 
The house suddenly fell silent; Ida was already lying in bed under a thick blanket.
 
Alzena smiled, adjusted Ida's blanket, and went to bed.
 
In her room, Alzena kept remembering that morning; the rain had brought her a comforting embrace.
 
Alzena closed her eyes; the rain fell again; she occasionally adjusted her blanket.
 
Stars and moon brought her beautiful dreams; the songs of night birds became the melody in her breath.
 
 
 
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