2:00

The people starts to leave, one by one.

2:05

Guess I'll start cleaning up.

2:30

I hope all you monsters, who don't throw your trash in bins, that your milk glass is forever slightly smaller than your cookie.

2:55

Just five more minutes to go.

2:56

Was time always this slow?

2:57

The door opens, the sound of the bell chimes in my ears. Oh god, there was only three minutes left. I bite my lips and straightened my back, "Welcome to Ice Cold, what's your order?"

A low bored voice replied, "A strawberry sundae on take out, please."

Much to my dismay, I bring up my most uplifting voice and smiled, "Coming right up." I entered the cash and went to make it right away.

2:58

I moved as fast as I could, probably the fastest I've ever had since I started this job.

2:59

Strawberries syrup. Strawberries syrup. Where did I put it?

3:00

You got to be kidding me. I need to get a new bottle from the pastry.

3:02

It's 3 o'clock already. I'm supposed to be going home now.

3:15

"Sorry for the wait, here's your strawberry sundae. Hope you enjoy it."

As soon as he left I took off my apron and sprint to the door to change the sign to closed.

3:25

Machines off. Lights off. Everything off. Door locked. I'm ready to go.

3:27

Wait. I left my phone inside. I immediately turned around and made my way back into the shop.

3:30

Okay, this time I really got everything. It's been 30 minutes since 3 already.

"Wait, please don't go yet," a man came to me running at full speed. His eyes had bags under it and his hair was clearly very messy. "I'm sorry, my wife is having pregnancy cravings right now for macha ice cream with rainbow sprinkles and mangoes on the top. I looked everywhere but I can't find it. If you could help me out, I'll pay you a huge tip. Please."

I glance at my watch. 3:31. Don't say yes. Don't say yes. "Okay." Stupid brain. Don't say yes doesn't mean say okay.

His face lighted up brighter than a child on Boxing Day. Let's do this real quick.

3:45

"Thank you so much, I'm really grateful to you." He slide me three hundred bills and ran off like crazy.

Which reminds me I should go now too, or else I'll miss it.

3:55

It's been 55 minutes now, as expected he wasn't there. I slow down my pace as I gently walk in this cold night. The street lamps sure look lonely today. Is it because of the dim moon today or because I'm the one that's actually lonely?

3:56

A bird came out of nowhere, slowly flying above me. I payed it no mind and continued walking until it started singing a familiar tune. I look up to see a bird I've never seen before.

3:57

"Little bird, what's your name?"

It stopped flying over me and flew a different direction than the one I am walking.

"I guess this is where we part," I said, longingly staring at the place it disappeared to.

3:59

The bird flies back and tries to pull my hat towards the direction.

"Do you want me to follow you?"

It flapped it's wings harder. I guess that's a yes. So I lifted my feet away from my direction and made way to the bird's.

4:00

I saw a silhouette of a person, siting on a swing , humming the same tune as the nameless bird.

The bird left my hat and flew towards its face. I walked closer to it and noticed him. Sitting right there, huffing out cold air, rubbing his hands together, glancing at his watch, waiting under the moonlight. As soon as he noticed me, his childlike smile glowed up.

"How come you're still here? It's been an hour already," I speed walk towards him.

He just kept smiling, standing up and opening his arms for me. I jumped into him and hugged him close. He held me equally tight.

"Stupid ,"  I whispered in his ears, smiling to myself.

"Just for you," he whispered back in my ears.

Grinning ear to ear, we walk off holding hands. Talking about a million things that happened during the time we were separated.

Then the moment I dread came by, as the hues of orange began filling the sky, he became transparent to my eye.

"Next year, same place, same time. Don't be late again." His innocent smile warmed up my heart but tears managed to make way as he slowly disappeared with the moon.

6:00

My feet's all worn out, the sun hits my face. The comfort of the moon has left me once again. Once again I am naked, to the eyes of the world.  Once again,  I'll have to wait until miracle strikes 3 on hand.

And so once again my countdown restarts

365 days left, until next year's

3 o'clock