Elena looked at him suspiciously. "What do you mean?"
David glanced around the restaurant. People were still watching them, still listening to every word. "Maybe we should talk somewhere more private," he said.
Mr. Romano appeared beside them, his face glowing with pride. "Elena, take all the time you need. Your shift is covered." He turned to David. "Sir, you can use my office if you'd like."
Five minutes later, Elena found herself sitting across from David Park in Mr. Romano's small office behind the kitchen. The walls were covered with pictures of the restaurant's history, family photos, and certificates from the health department. It felt surreal, like she was living someone else's life.
David leaned forward in his chair. "Tell me about your mom."
Elena's eyes widened. "How did you—"
"When someone plays music with that much emotion, there's usually a story behind it. And you mentioned taking care of your sick mother earlier."
Elena took a deep breath. "She has cancer. The treatments aren't covered by insurance, and they're expensive. Really expensive. That's why I work two jobs. That's why I gave up music school."
"Music school?"
"I got accepted to Juilliard when I was eighteen. Full scholarship for the first year." Elena's voice got quieter. "But then Mom got diagnosed, and someone had to work. Dad left when I was little, so it was just me."
David was quiet for a long time. Elena could hear the distant sounds of the restaurant: dishes clinking, people talking, normal life continuing while her world felt like it was hanging in the balance.