The employees surrounded themselves in the center of the market, chatting away, wondering why they were brought here at this moment. The groups stopped talking when the main doors opened, and Jordan stepped into the Purple Spoon.

“Why, hello, everybody.” Jordan greeted. “How are you doing?”

The employee's attention was focused on him right now. “Fine, thanks?” One of them replied.

“Who is this guy?” Another one whispered.

“Ah, there you are.” The boss left the office and walked over to Jordan, placing his hand on his shoulder. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have another new recruit here.” He turned to face the rest of the workers and announced. “Would you like to introduce yourself, sir?” Boss glanced at Jordan and asked.

“Of course.” Jordan bowed. “My name is Jordan; I love the outdoors and sweets. I can also do some tricks my folks back at home taught me, if you’re interested.”

“Yeah!” Most of the workers exclaimed, pumping their fists in the air.

“Hold on.” Hilary held up her hand and proclaimed. “Shouldn’t we go back to work? I mean, we don’t have time for this.”

“Exactly,” Stanley added. “Listen to someone that has common knowledge over here.” He pointed at Hilary, proud of herself.

Jordan glared at him but kept his optimism in check. “It won’t take long, I promise.” He insisted. “It’ll be worth your time in the long run.”

“Alright, if you say so.” The boss agreed.

“Huh? But boss—” Stanley started.

“It’s fine, he said so himself.”

Jordan took five cans from the display case and juggled them around. He spun in a circle as he threw them in the air. He caught two from each of his hands and balanced the fifth can on his head. Jordan curtseyed as everyone but Stanley applauded at the act.

“Thank you very much,” Jordan replied, feeling accomplished in completing his task, unlike the last time.

“Wow, that was impressive!” Hilary exclaimed.

“I know, and thanks,” Jordan repeated.

“Say, I feel like I’ve seen you before. Did we meet yesterday?”

“You recognize me? That’s great! I hope we get along well, Hilary.”

“I see, same here, Jordan.”

Seeing Hilary and Jordan exchanging smiles made Stanley’s heart sink. What’s with this guy? Stanley thought, his eyes narrowing.

“Alright, now everyone get back to work.” The boss recalled, clapping his hands.

Why does he have to act all high and mighty on his first day? Stanley rolled his eyes and got ready for his shift, also.

Jordan put on the red-violet apron over his head and went to the counter to check out. He swiped the items across and placed them inside the bags.

Stanley tried to keep up with the aisles by guiding some customers to individual pieces but kept on messing it up. Jordan left his position to help with some customers, at the cost of moving some lines. Stanley took over the counter for the time being and rushed to get the work done.

Between everything that’s happened so far, Stanley and Jordan’s bodies grew woozy, almost as if they saw double from the surrounding customers.

Their shifts and breaks flew by fast. Jordan did his next shift as he cleaned the floors with the wet bucket and a mop. His arms grew tired as he wobbled around, feeling like jelly. He sighed in disbelief as he slumped against the wall, relaxing the tension in his muscles. Jordan questioned himself how and why breaks were short, as it went by before he knew it.

“I’m telling you, sir, there’s something weird about that Jordan guy!”

Jordan’s ears perked up at a somewhat muffled conversation from behind the office door. He put the mop away and sneaked toward the door to listen to the full talk. Jordan opened the door and entered the area when he heard someone call his name.

“We should monitor him!” Stanley continued.

“Nonsense.” The boss waved off. “I trust him. Besides, he’s a magnificent worker and is making me money.”

“But he’s new,” Stanley insisted. “And you just met him—”

“Hey guys, I couldn’t help but overhear my name.” Jordan interrupted. The others turned their focus on him. “You called?” Jordan smirked as the symbols showed up in his eyes again.

The boss’s eyes widened upon noticing them again. “Yes, sir.” The boss replied. “I wanted to inform you about your early payment.”

“Huh?” Stanley tilted his head in confusion, unsure where he went with this.

“Today is the day, and you’ve yet to receive your checks.” The boss continued.

“But we need—”

“Don’t worry, you’re new, you wouldn’t understand.” The boss handed them both checks that contained money. “Now, get going, you two.”