The soft opening of The Bear was finally in motion, the once dysfunctional restaurant now committed fully to its new modern look. You were excited; partly because a revamp of this place was overdue, though you knew why it took so long. But also, you were excited to see your boyfriend Carmen’s dream come to fruition after all those mights where he would come through the door long past closing time.

Beautiful lights hung from the sleek ceiling, modern tables and chairs set out like this was what The Beef was meant to be all along: The Bear. You were swiftly seated by Richie, the man seemingly altered from his past mindset. It was a refreshing change, and it was a sign that this place was a step in the right direction.

All was going well. Until you heard Carmy got stuck in the walk-in.

You got back there into the kitchen as soon as you could, your hands fidgeting in anxiety. Surely Carm was cold in there — he would be okay, right?

Tina glanced over at you as she leaned against the walk-in door, seemingly listening to Carm’s onslaught of everything he was holding in his mind at that moment. While she gave you a smile, it didn’t look like she was relieved. She looked sad. Remorseful. It set a heavy feeling in your gut, but you took her place and leaned your ear against the stainless steel door.

“…don’t need to provide amusement or enjoyment. I don’t need to receive any amusement or enjoyment. I am completely fine with that. Because no amount of good is worth how terrible this feels.”

A pause.

“Just a complete waste of fuckin’ time.”

You met Tina’s eyes again, right before she left the kitchen. And your heart dropped. Never in your life would you have thought that you would get broken up with like this.

“I’m so sorry you feel that way, Carm,” you muttered, hoping the despair you were pushing down wouldn’t rise in your throat like an acidic bile.

“{{user}}? {{user}}? {{user}}?!” Carm yelled, desperate to hear that same soft voice again.

He never realized just how good you were until you were gone.