I wake up one morning and am supposed to be getting ready for work at La Gueule de Saturne, but I feel something sticking out of my back. Since I can't see it, I spin around like a dog chasing its tail. It's silly.
Finally, I look in my bathroom mirror. I have translucent wings. Large yellow-orange fairy wings. I'm freaking out. Hard. How is this possible? Fairies don't exist, so how can I have wings? Then I'm gonna be late for work. Vince is going to kill me! I'm hurrying to go to La Gueule de Saturne. Riding a bike with wings isn't easy.
Phew! I'm just in time, the first customers haven't arrived yet, but I don't have time to tell Vince about "my change" when a woman shows up.
"Oh!" She said when she saw me.
"Welcome to La Gueule de Saturne and I know this is strange. Me and my wings. Is this for a table for one?"
I take care of the woman and other customers show up. The bistro fills up quickly. Customers are astonished by my translucent wings, honey-colored according to some, but soon compliments about me fill the room. My day is full.
I didn't even notice that Vince had left the kitchen to come and see me and that he had remained stunned by my transformation. According to a cook I spoke to at the end of the day, he stayed a good twenty minutes watching me work! I did try to talk to him before leaving the bistro to return to my apartment at the end of my workday, but he was busy in his office.
At my apartment, very late at night, the phone rings. I answer it.
"It's me."
"Vince? Is something wrong?"
"No, but explain to me what's going on."
"For the wings? I have no idea. I got up this morning and there they were. On the other hand, the customers loved them. Many talked about bringing their children."
"La Gueule de Saturne is no place for kids."
"I know, but a customer's a customer, right? Do you need anything else?"
"No. We'll talk tomorrow."
He hangs up. I'm going to bed.
The next day, I get up. My wings are still there. I wash up, even though my bathroom is in a terrible state, get dressed and head for La Gueule de Saturne.
Vince was waiting for me at the entrance, but he didn't react to my arrival. It's as if he's paralyzed.
"Vince? Vince, it's me, Rody."
No reaction.
"Vincent!"
I dare to yell at him. Nothing. What the heck is happening to him? I never thought I'd do something like this, but I slap him.
"What? Rody?"
"Finally! Vince, you were like... lost, not there anymore. It was terrifying!"
"Terrifying... wait," he feels the redness on his skin. "Did you just hit me!?"
"No, well yes, but I had no choice! I had to bring you back!"
I thought he was going to fire me on the spot or hit me in retribution. Instead, he orders me to work and goes to the kitchen. I breathe a sigh of relief and wait for the customers to arrive.
Customers arrive in droves. Men, women and children. I can barely serve them all. Seating in the bistro is also limited. I quickly become sweaty. Without realizing it, I use my wings to float from table to table, gliding through the air. This show pleases the customers and they tip me more. When the day's work is done, I collapse on the floor, exhausted.
Vince comes to see me.
"Is everything all right?"
"...just... want to sleep..."
"Then come to my apartment for tonight. I'm inviting you."
"...ah..."
"You can even sleep in my bed."
"...Wha...What!?"
"Don't panic! I'm not thinking about anything. Just you in my bed and me on a sofa in my living room."
"...oh... okay..."
I force myself to get up and go with Vince to his apartment. As soon as I touch the soft sheets of his bed, I fall asleep. Yet, while I sleep, I feel fingers gently touching my wings. It must be Vince.