Mrs Baljić always left a good tip and always knew where Tarik would pass. She caught him around the waist as he lowered plates, held onto his hand, or commented on how his shirt fitted. During the first months he avoided her table when possible. Later he calmly asked her twice not to touch him. She laughed as though he had made a particularly good joke. The restaurant owner told him there were far worse customers.
Tarik's partner Ela worked behind the bar. She knew it bothered him and offered to swap some duties, but that evening it was impossible. The guest was celebrating a business success with twelve people. As Tarik brought wine, she pulled him towards her and told the group he was the real reason she came. Someone raised a phone. Tarik set the bottle on the table and moved her hand away.
He spoke loudly enough for neighbouring tables to hear: 'I've asked you not to do that.' The laughter stopped. The guest looked towards the bar and said his girlfriend was obviously jealous. Ela put down the glass she was polishing. 'He's the one speaking to you,' she said. She did not step between them, although her whole body urged her to do something.
The owner arrived wearing the smile reserved for expensive misunderstandings. He asked Tarik to fetch another bread basket and told the guest his staff were tired. Tarik did not leave. He asked for another waiter to take over the table. The owner whispered not to cause trouble over a compliment. Tarik removed his apron, folded it in half, and placed it on a side cabinet. He did not know whether he was entitled to leave before his shift ended. He knew he would no longer stand beside that chair.
In the changing room he needed several attempts to tie his shoelaces. Ela came only after handing the bar to a colleague. She sat beside him without a triumphant smile. They had no savings for a long period without work, and that hung between them. On the way out, the cook handed them two boxes of dinner. He said the owner was now making excuses to the guests. Tarik did not ask what excuses.
The following day he received a call asking him to return, with a promise that he would not serve that guest. He requested a conversation before agreeing. Ela waited outside the restaurant but did not enter. When he came out, he said he would stay for now while looking for somewhere else. She took his hand. On the way home she did not ask whether he felt brave. She asked what he wanted for dinner.