THROUGH A FRACTURED EXISTENCE, TO THE RHYTHM OF ETERNITY.
IL MATTINO
Il Mattino is an Italian cafe sidled between a bookstore and a jewelry boutique in small but popular business district, just a downhill walk from the local non-denominational Christian church and residential area. The ocean is less than a ten minute drive away and within view in the distance. The area is cool even when the sun is at its apex at noon with a tinge of sea salt in the breeze.
The cafe itself is medium-sized with plenty of light let in with the large storefront windows. The decor is simple, but accented with key decor with wheat centerpieces and plants. There are some trinkets that are displayed that may look out of place, like atop the charging counter there's a sliding puzzle painted in pink, orange, yellow, blue, purple, and all shades in between.
The cafe specializes in coffee and brunch, though pastries are sourced from local Italian bakeries in downtown Little Italy.
While the establishment has two floors, the cafe takes up the ground floor. There is a yard for some reason, but that's because there are four dogs. They're kept separate from the cafe to make sure patrons are not disturbed, but people are free to go outside to pet them. Reviews have mentioned the owner lives on the second floor and the dogs' names are Harold, Olive, Vera, and Rocco.

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Adolphe will soon see Jacopo's fridge is a bit bare even with the groceries, but at least it isn't empty or full of one thing. It's still sparse because he'd normally just make something quick and easy, then leave. At least there are fruits. They are easy and nutritious.
He eats his pasta. To him it tastes okay and acceptable. ]
I just know what good food should taste like.
[ Raises his eyebrows at his reaction. ]
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It helps being a cafe owner, huh?
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[ Jacopo was at first a customer, too. Came often... Had everything on the menu. ]
I did add some more items based on what my grandmother made for breakfast when I was a kid.
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[ He keeps eating, but makes sure not to talk with hus mouth full. ]
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[ He sips his wine... Which is actually fancy vs their makeshift elevated store bought spaghetti. ]
I can cook some for you in the morning, though... Before you head off for the day.
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Is that fine? You have to work, don't you?
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I technically don't need to work in the cafe. [ But... He's there. A lot of the time. ] And I'd be making breakfast for myself, anyway.
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If you're sure. It would be nice to have breakfast like that.
[ He's grateful, so he smiles a little. ]
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His eyebrows knit as his gaze shifts down to his spaghetti, then to his glass, just anywhere really to avoid seeing Adolphe smile. ]
It's just breakfast. [ Deflects. ] You'd still prefer savory?
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Yeah, but... I'm really fine with anything.
[ Especially since he's getting it for free? He doesn't even think of making demands because he's always the thankful sort. ]
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[ Just saying, even though he's generally confident on the recipe... He's not a chef or anything, but it's his grandmother's with some tweaks.
... Dinner is a good time to talk about things, right? Now that they're friends and now roommates. ]
What do you even do?
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What do you mean?
[ What does he do... for what? Job? How he took care of himself before? He doesn't know. ]
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... Like... Your job?
[ The most important thing. ]
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Oh.
[ ............... ]
I don't have a job right now. I got laid off from my last one.
[ The spaghetti is finished. ]
So I've been doing odd jobs and participating in research for money nowadays.
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[ Jacopo had ran into bad luck before, but not all at once like this? At least not in a very long time.
He sips his wine. ]
What did you do before?
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[ He munches on some salad. ]
... one of the children there caused the fire. He had severe depression and sleep apnea, so I wanted to help him with at least one of those.
[ Obviously, that didn't pan out. ]
Luckily, no one died in the fire.
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[ Even though fire is destructive, taking everything very quickly. Jacopo munches on some salad, too. It's just a simple italian dressing, but honestly i love italian dressing.
It's kind of Adolphe to go out of his way for the kid and he wants to ask how they're doing. Or if it's just something Adolphe had to put down for a bit as he FIGURES HIS LIFE OUT. ]
Went to college? Got a degree?
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[ The hand with the fork stays still on the table as he thinks about something, but his expression is neutral. ]
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Tasty... Spaghetti... He's done with his plate and will have more salad. ]
I'd offer you a job here, but... I'd imagine you want to hold yourself up. [ On top of a place to stay, Jacopo doesn't want to keep stacking things. It can feel like a debt. ] You should still send me your resume.
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He looks tired about the resume suggestion, but he relents. ]
Where should I send it to?
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[ He was about to be like can you air drop it, but then remember Adolphe's phone. ]
Let's exchange numbers. I can give you my email via text and pass you the Wi-Fi password.
[ Jacopo will say his number when Adolphe is ready. ]
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... Nothing.
[ Not even the sense of comfort will reveal that to Jacopo right now. Anyway, Adolphe gets the number and sends him a blank text. ]
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What kind of work are you looking for?
[ Jacopo can you ever shut the fuck up about capitalism. It's dinner... After hours... Relax...... ]
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[ But he sends the resume anyway. To be summed up, he finished high school, didn't go to any schooling after, got drafted to the military, is listed as a veteran despite still being at the age to be drafted again. He's 25. Adolphe also worked at the job he mentioned. Typical desk job and field work combined. Worked in that job for about two years. ]
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[ He will glaze the resume as he sips his wine. ]
I'm assuming something clerical? Administrative. [ ... ] But it's fine to take a short break to get your bearings.
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