After the close incident with Mr. Roberts, Alice managed to survive the rest of the day without getting into any more trouble.

With a glance at her wristwatch, she realized that it was already almost five.

Alice was fully drained. Not that she hated school, but the extra lessons that came immediately after were insufferable.

But since the school deemed it compulsory, there really was nothing she could do about it.

"It's already so late," she sighed, adjusting her bag that hung lazily on her shoulder so it wouldn't easily slip off. "I better hurry up and go home."

She stepped into the brightly lit internet café, which was a huge contrast with the darkening skies outside, then immediately picked a spot in a secluded corner.

The computer came alive under her fingers, and with flawless movement, she logged into Google and started a frantic job hunting game.

Her eyes flickered as she absorbed the countless information provided by the internet.

Finally!! There were nice results. Still, she had not yet found any that met her taste.

Time was not on her side. Just how angry would her father get if she were to turn up late?

Sitting upright, with all seriousness on the glowing screen, her fingers tapped continuously on the keyboard.

There were plenty of posts for waiters or delivery men in need.

There were also openings for office assistants, cleaners, house help, and many more...

Still, it was hard to find a flexible one that wouldn't affect her school life.

Alice jumped up when a sharp vibration pierced her rear. She grabbed her back pocket, swinging out the object that was buried within.

"It was just the phone." She let out all the panic that had built up in her chest with one breath.

"That gave me quite a shock."

Looking around, her loud shriek seemed to have caused discomfort to others who were now sending icy glares her way. "I'm sorry... I'm very sorry."

Resuming her seat, she unlocked her phone to be greeted by a screen teeming with missed calls.

Over an hour had slipped away unnoticed. As she pondered the depths of her predicament and how to avert disaster, the phone screen lit up once again.

An unknown number blinked, causing her to hesitate momentarily before answering.

"'It's Alphonso!' Alice was taken aback."

Responding instinctively, "I'm at the café near school."

"'Goodness,' the young teacher sighed softly. 'Your father has been searching everywhere for you. He even contacted the school.'"

Alice's heart sank, leaving her momentarily speechless.

"'Stay put, I'll be calling your father. Alright?'"

"'I understand, Mr. Alphonso.' Alice shut down the computer and gathered her belongings, a warning klaxon sounding in her mind."

"'Goodness, I'm in deep trouble... I might not make it out alive this time.' Exiting the internet café, she noticed the drizzle.

Dashing past the bus stop and convenience store, she halted at a crossroads.

"Alice!" A familiar voice carried from the opposite side of the street. She followed its trail and spotted a man in a worn jacket crossing the zebra crossing.

Slightly taller and somewhat broad, the usually cheerful man exuded anxiety, rendering the wrinkles on his face more pronounced.

Raindrops splattered his jacket as he reached Alice's side, breathing lightly and abruptly closing the umbrella, accidentally brushing her arm.

Alice recognized her father's demeanor; he wasn't using any pressure.

"Why didn't you come home? If you had plans, you should've informed me beforehand. I wouldn't have held you back! Do you understand how worried your little brother and I were?"

Confronted by his stern expression, Alice felt an immediate pang of guilt, her eyes fixated on her soggy shoe like a repentant puppy.

Observing this, Mr. Manson heaved a frustrated sigh, his own anxiety ebbing away.

While rain continued to soak them both, he held the umbrella aloft, beckoning her closer. "Let's go."

Alice shuffled over, entering the shelter of the umbrella he provided.

Choosing not to take a taxi, they walked home together. Mr. Manson began with anger, but after a few words, the anger subsided. The father and daughter moved through the rain in silence.

As they approached their street, Manson signaled for Alice to pause. Handing her the umbrella, he dashed to a nearby food stall.

Alice shifted her weight, waiting patiently, aware that her father must have gone to buy Roy's favorite meat skewers. And indeed, he returned her way, clutching a handful of skewers, using his coat and body as a shield against the light drizzle.

Only once under the umbrella's refuge did he relax, a faint smile gracing his lips.

Alice's phone vibrated, and she extracted it from her pocket, ensuring it remained dry. Swiping open the lock, two unread messages greeted her.

Unknown: Have you reached home yet?

Unknown: Give me a sign when you read this?

'Teacher Alphonso...' Alice mused, a realization dawning upon her. "Did I cause him to worry too?"