The Diner in Finex

The windows curled from the ground all the way up to the roof. Small elegant and ornate lamps hung above every booth that aligned the windows. Black and white checkered tiles cast themselves among the floor and followed the large bar, which was wrapped in black and marble and protected by black button stools. The only employee rested her self behind the bar starting out the large windows.

Snow like the town had never seen had descended them in the last few days. Everything was closed. The streets had more than 4 feet of snow piled up and blocked everything.

Yet, the diner would be open. Awaiting any guest and the diner knew of only one. Today might be the day that it would block him. The wind howled creating a sheet of white, but a shadow emerged. The door rung as it opened bringing in the winter draft through out the diner. Ice hung from every inch of his overcoat and a thick layer of snow rimmed his hat. The man shook him self out and let the snow fall off of him. He took a seat at bar removing his hat and coat, laying it on the stool next to him. The waitress smiled and came up to greet him.

“I thought this might be it, Mick.” She leaned with her arms on the bar towards him. “but you always seem to surprise me” The man named Mick smoothed back his hair and patted it softly to make sure it was still in place.

He let out a large breath and gave a smile “Well doll, I’m not gonna lie to you, I almost didn’t make it. Snow up to my waist at some points, but something can’t be ignored. We all know that” Mick put his elbows up and rested his chin on his hands glancing to each end of the diner. “Coffee?”

“Black as usual and toast with blueberry jam” Mick raised his eyebrows with a grin “both sides jammed”

His smiled widened “You got it” The waitress turned around and disappeared into the kitchen. The diner stood silent besides the rattling in the back and howling of the outside. The grand lux jukebox lit up and Mick turned to look. The records shifted inside of it and then “My Way” by Frank Sinatra filled the diner. Mick returned his head to his hands, cupping his face taking in a deep breath. Slowly he pulled his hands down from his eyes. Blood covered every inch of the counter top and glazed parts of the ceiling. Bits of flesh hung off of the kitchen window and a sickly smell filled his lungs. He slowly rose to peer at the floor behind the bar. Her body lay torn apart in several places. Unrecognizable. He stared down. Music still filling his ears. He was not shocked. He sat back down and re cupped his face in his hands.

“Here you are dear” plates clacked in front of him with a large mug of coffee. He looked up at the waitress. “Don’t worry, we both know what happens.”

Mick sighed, but his grin returned “Yeah, I guess we both do, don’t we” he took a sip of his coffee and gave a laugh “Never tasted better then now” he turned and raised his mug to the winter storm blazing out side. He noticed that the music had stopped and turned back to the juke box. It rested dead by the wall staring back at him. He rose his mug to it as well then took a sip. Mick turned back to the waitress. Her name was Lucy, but he never really used her name. Usually he called her doll, which she never seemed to mind, or he didn’t address her. She had been here ever since he could remember. The diner would be packed and there she would be. Her dark hair swirling back and forth as she danced behind the bar to deliver warm meals and drinks. A bonus is that she could cook as well. On slow days, such as this one. She would man the whole place by herself. Always a smile on her face and always waiting to serve. It was like she was made for this place. The diner itself lay at the edge of town. It faced inward out looking the many manicured houses and the large mountains that the town was nestled under. It was a sight when the snow wasn’t cutting all vision off. While the interior was one of a 1950 upscale lux hotel, the food was that of a normal diner. No riches to be found in it. It was iconic to the town and had been here since he had moved in 5 years ago. Once he had finished his coffee and ate his toast, Mick stood up and put his coat and hat back on. He moved toward the door then turned to Lucy.

“Well, I’ll see you later. Stay warm” The bell rung and another draft ran through the diner. She watched him trudge through the snow till his figure faded into the white. He had still never missed day at the diner.

I came up with this story many years ago, I did some re-edits and tried to piece it back together.I pictured a diner in the snow storm and one guest still showing up (through almost impossible weather). The mystery was why this person would show up no matter what the circumstances were. Why did they order the same thing each time and what was so special about the diner. Mick Ryan is my main character. I described him originally as an honest man with a dishonest past catching up to him. I think it might turn into a more supernatural story, but the main place is the diner.

Imagine with with its large window being blown out white from the storm in the morning and midday, then growing dark purple as the sun goes down and the storm still rages on. A cozy retreat from the elements. I want to explore Mick and the diner more in the future. We will see where it leads.

My Way - Frank Sinatra