DICE

[2] a

"Geez, late again?"

Gala, just putting on his apron, goes quiet. "It's not even five minutes, Mr. Kim," he quips.

"You! Help wash all the cooking utensils. Don't leave any oil residue there. If there's any left, Gala, you're fired."

Gala nods, his eyes darting around, watching the stocky man almost filling the gap between the kitchen table and the cooking area, looking pretty cramped. Mr. Kim's way of moving seems difficult to Gala, especially with his reddening face.

"Cheer up, Gala," he says quietly, striding towards the sink where, to Gala's surprise, there's already a pile of pots and other cooking utensils. Gala wonders what's happening.

Yesterday evening, Gala cleaned this area, so why does it look like it's doubled now?

"Gala," Luke calls loudly from the kitchen door. "Don't take too long washing up; the kitchen area stinks. Us cooks can't work if it smells rotten."

If only... yeah, if only he didn't rely on Mr. Kim's pay for survival. Plus, trying to find a job in South Metro with his qualifications was incredibly tough. Having only finished primary education, when he wanted to continue school, his mother just left him. He's done all sorts of menial jobs except for dealing drugs. He didn't want to get involved with the South Metro security officers. If he didn't remember he depended a lot on this restaurant run by Mr. Kim, he would have left long ago.

When he first arrived, Gala always checked the disposal area inside the restaurant. He understood that there shouldn't be any trash around the kitchen area. Cleanliness had to be number one, and here in South Metro, they strictly enforced cleanliness rules that applied to all operating restaurants in this considerably brighter district compared to the other three areas.

Gala lives in a country with four major districts covering it. The cityscape is bright and there's a higher standard of living for certain people, particularly in the South district. That's where he lives. The district is quite vast; its northern part borders North Metro, and to the west lies West Metro, beautiful with lots of mountains and valleys.

North Metro, Gala hears about it, but he's not entirely sure what the area is like. Every person from each district who wants to visit another part has to show registered identification, and all the information about that person pops up on the screen. Even their medical history shows up there. It applies to all four districts without exception.

Getting a registered identity, known as a Code Person, was really expensive for Gala. He's officially listed as a resident of South Metro, but completing the requirements for a Code Person took a lot of cash. Ah, maybe Gala's just clueless about how to get it.

Proof is, Luke managed to get it. Three months ago, Gala remembers that annoyingly arrogant guy showing off his Code Person, complete with all the identities Luke possesses. Gala didn't want to get involved in Luke's pompous show, but eventually got intrigued. He wanted to find out, but Gala was sure that instead of information, he'd get more mocking remarks that would just make him furious.

If he challenged Luke, it'd surely lead to trouble. No. No. Gala already had enough bad luck. He didn't want to add to his string of misfortunes. Living life like this, it's okay, no problem. Who knows, maybe a miracle will come that feels impossible to happen.

He really wanted to slap Luke's allegedly handsome face for once. In Gala's eyes, both Luke and Mr. Kim were equally irritating.

Gala chuckles at his own thoughts, which gets him to finish his work quickly. He just needs to throw out the remaining trash and tidy up the kitchen area, including sweeping and mopping.

After that, Gala gets back to his job: washing dishes that seem never-ending because Mr. Kim's restaurant is quite busy. Many say the food served there has quality and tastes that tantalize the taste buds. But Gala never tasted it because Mr. Kim forbids all crew members except the chefs from sampling the food made. They each have their own share of the meals provided by Mr. Kim.

"If you want the food served here, you have to pay," is his command, often spoken. It feels like Mr. Kim says that almost every day, whether it's during lunch or when Gala says goodbye. Gala is the last one to leave because he's in charge of taking out the trash and making sure nothing is missed.

Just this morning, he's puzzled because there's a lot of dirty cooking equipment. He wants to ask, but Gala chooses to keep his lips sealed. Rather than getting scolded again?

"Gala, take this to Lot 5. Mrs. Gennie's residence."

Gala looks up from his job of cleaning the fridge, removing leftovers that can't be used anymore, and the remnants of various sauces. He sees Marta holding a paper bag containing the ordered food.

"Sure." Gala can't refuse, right? Even though after periodically cleaning the fridge like this, Gala wanted to stack up some bread for his own stomach. Turns out, the restaurant's busy today. Gala only now knows that there was a special dinner last night. So, that's where the pile of kitchen equipment came from.

"Hurry, don't be late. And remember, Gala," Marta walks closer to the white-skinned young man. "Be careful. Mrs. Gennie loves this tomato soup. Don't let Mr. Kim get scolded by Mrs. Gennie because it spilled on the way there."

Nervously, Gala swallows. "Okay," he says again. Marta smirks quietly, placing the paper bag on the kitchen table as Gala washes his hands. She rushes off because the station she left is already crowded.

Just like usual.

The door to the restaurant kitchen, where diners eat and where other employees of Mr. Kim work, opens quickly, swallowing Marta just as fast. Gala can only glimpse how bustling it is outside.

Every time Gala heads home, he tries to pass through the front area of Mr. Kim's restaurant, Go Stea Express. But every time he passes by, Mr. Kim's rolling store is already completely closed. He can only enjoy the illuminated and colorful logo of the store, attracting customers.

Gala sighs softly, glancing at the paper bag he's holding; he already has a job waiting. According to the store logo with a cartoonish drawing of a cute-looking cow's head, quite unique in the center of the logo. Somehow Gala feels like the funny cow image is mocking him.

He quickly dismisses his jumbled thoughts now. His stomach suddenly growls loudly. The delicious aroma of tomato soup and the scent of freshly baked bread in the paper bag have made Gala drool.

He's hungry. Very much.

No. Gala can't afford to lose everything just for Mrs. Gennie's order. The towering woman with odd clothing and a strikingly colored scarf has fierce eyes. Gala remembers vividly the first time he delivered food there.

The stick always in the hands of the old lady hit his back hard. He was yelled at multiple times, accused of being a thief even though he was just delivering lunch. It caused quite a scene because Mrs. Gennie's neighbors didn't believe what Gala said. Even though Gala was clearly wearing a uniform and carrying the paper bag. Mrs. Gennie said, "He's lying! I saw him going upstairs! Taking my late husband's necklace! Search him!"

His luck was so terrible then. He wanted to rebel, but the security guards arrived promptly. Gala explained in detail until he finally agreed to be searched. Since he was innocent, he dared. And true enough, there was nothing related to Mrs. Gennie's accusations.

The security eventually contacted Mr. Kim's restaurant and clarified Gala's job status. After getting the clear information, Gala was released and provided more explanation to Mrs. Gennie about who he really was. But when he realized his missed lunch order, instead of apologizing, she scolded Gala even more.

"You're a food delivery guy? Why didn't you speak up earlier? You fool!" Once again, the stick flew towards Gala's back. "Since earlier, he's been acting suspicious like a thief instead of speaking up that he's a delivery guy!"

Gala could only resign at that moment, and now? Does he have to accept more misfortune?

"Gala, hurry!!!"

Marta's shout startles him. "Yeah, Marta. I'm leaving now!"