Secela nervously knocked on the dark wooden door to her new boss’ room. It was opened by a large man wearing a bowler hat, and a white shirt which he wore underneath a vest with no jacket. His hair and eyes were dark, as was his one arched eyebrow. One side of his lips was curved upward in a smirk.

                “Ah, you must be the new helper, Cella. It’s a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance,” Mr. Griem said.

                “And yours as well!” Secela replied.

                “I suppose you’re here for your pay?” he questioned.

                “Yes, that’s right,” Secela said.

                “I’m sorry, but it won’t be all that much. I can barely pay Harda as it is,” Mr. Griem told her. “But here’s all I can spare.” He rummaged in his pocket and handed her three coins: one quarter, one nickel, and one penny. “That’s thirty-one cents all together. I suggest putting them in a safe place in your room,” he said. Secela thanked him and said goodbye, then pressed the coins to her chest and ran to her room. She put the coins in a little blue and white flowerpot, then put the pot in her closet. Secela hurried back down the stairs to the kitchen behind the bar. She walked forward, past the storage and ovens, to Harda, who was taking an order from a customer. Secela waited until she was done and had turned to go back to the kitchen.

                “Oh!” Harda said, seeing her. “So Mr. Griem gave you your pay?” she asked.

                “Yep!” Secela replied, grinning. Harda frowned.

                “How much could he give you?” she asked. Secela looked down.

                “Not much. Only thirty-one cents,” But even so, Secela looked up and smiled. “But at least it’s a good start!” Harda laughed.

                “You kids have so much spirit,” she said.

                “So what can I do to help?” Secela asked. Harda put on a thoughtful face and scratched her chin.

                “I think for now you can help cook the food,” she said, and handed Secela a book of the tavern’s recipes from a shelf above her head. “I’m assuming you can cook?” Harda asked.

                “I’m on it!” Secela said. As the customers came, Secela helped Harda with the cooking, and every now and then, she swept the floors to keep them clean. It was hard work, but Secela need the money to buy a horse for her trip to Ina’s new town. As the night before, it was a very long time until Secela finally fell down again on her bed to go to sleep.