10 Uproar (1/2)
”Host, please be more ambitious.”The system told Alan as he moped.
Alan sighed before thinking about what else he could do.”No use crying over spilt milk.What can I do to own a cafe?”
He began to brainstorm ideas.
”I could ask my parents for money,” He thought.But he instantly shot that idea down.There was no way his parents would invest in a cafe based on his one week of experience as a barista, and it's not like he could explain the system without sounding insane.
”I could ask my friends from college!”He got excited at the thought of this.There were plenty of stories where college friends pooled their money together to start a business and became wildly successful.He went to grab his phone, when he realized a problem.”That's right,” He thought miserably.”There's no way this will work because...I didn't make any friends in college!”
Alan suffered a critical blow as he realized the system might be onto something when it said he lacked charisma.
Continuing to brainstorm as a dark thundercloud of negativity poured out of him, Alan felt an idea go off like a lightbulb in his head.
”Why not just go to the bank and get a loan?” He thought.”I mean, isn't that what banks do?”
The more the thought about it, the more it seemed like his only option.Setting his resolve he decided not to put it off any longer.He strode downstairs with firm steps, and a determined gaze.He looked a changed man, a confident man.Anyone who saw him like this would have to believe he could do anything he put his mind to.
He strode with purpose through the house, and opened the door, ready to make his way to the bank.He wouldn't take no for an answer!
He strode outside and immediately stopped.”Ahem, system is that the moon?”
”Confirmed Host, that is the moon.”
”I see.System what time is it?”
”Host, it is currently 9:47 at night.”
”I see.”Alan stood there for a moment, before turning to go back inside.”Tomorrow is soon enough to go to the bank.”
A random voice seemed to call from the darkness.”I couldn't help but overhear you.Tomorrow is a national holiday so the banks are closed.Well, have a good night.”A rogue author biked by.
”Why was there an author riding by at this time of night?”Alan wondered to himself, before shaking his head.It wasn't any of his business.He'd go to the bank after the holiday.As he thought this he stopped, waiting for another voice to tell him that something else would prevent him from going to the bank that day.No one called out to him.Nodding in satisfaction Alan went back inside and up to his bedroom.
****
The next day.
Tom walked into the cafe like normal.He was finishing typing an email on his phone, so he ordered without looking up.”I'll take a coffee like normal, Alan.”
He didn't hear a reply, but thought that Alan had started making his coffee.
He kept typing his email, when suddenly he heard a voice saying, ”Your coffee is ready, sir.”
He looked up and saw an unfamiliar young man standing behind the counter.
”Who are you?” He asked, confused.
The young man look confused.”I'm Greg...why?”
”Where's Alan?” Tom asked.”Is he taking a sick day?”
”Who's Alan?” Greg was clueless.
Tom felt extremely confused.He went over to Wendy and asked.”Where's Alan?Is he taking a sick day?”
Wendy gave him an annoyed look as she was forced to put down her cell phone, but she answered.”He got fired yesterday.”
It took a moment to sink in, but when it did, Tom reacted loudly.”He was what?”He shouted.
John, in his office, heard the shout.He walked out of his office.
”What seems to be the problem, sir?”John asked, confused.He recognized this man as one of their regular customers.