Finally, I get to use zmswift 's creation. Yay! She does my chapter banners from 10 - 30. You should check the works Atrocious-A Graphic Shop. I'll leave the link in the comment --->

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My wristwatch told me that I was early by five minutes for my shift at Al-Safar. I entered the shop from the entrance, greeted one of my workmates who was at the counter before lumbered into the kitchen.

My movement was disrupted by a loud conversation between Yosef and someone outside the back kitchen, sounded serious and threatening. I slightly open the back door ajar to find Nick and Chubby Jason Statham circled Yosef around, having some serious discussion with me being mentioned in their conversation. My name wasn't mentioned but "an illegal Malaysian" passed through their lips gave out the clue.

Nick caught me hiding behind the back door beyond the billowing cigarette smoke that he created and glanced at me. I flinched away from the door to seek refuge, but Yosef shut it close and resumed with the private chat.

My heart pounded fast and questions popped in my head, 'What's Nick doing here? Are they trying to hurt my boss?'

I hung my coat by the coat hanger compartment, getting myself ready for the shift like normal although my guts told me that something bad might pop up soon. Yosef walked into the kitchen half an hour later, looking overwhelmed. He beckoned me up into his small office at the upper floor. I followed him behind and went in, closing the door behind me.

"How are you today, ZJ?" he asked casually. "You alright?"

"I'm good. How about you?" I responded.

"I'm alright," he sighed, scratching the bald spot on his head. "There's something I have to tell you, but I don't know how. It's going to be hard for the both of us."

"Go on," I urged. "I've gone through a lot of painful events. I think I can handle this one fine."

"I'm sorry to be the bearer of this bad news, but I'm laying you off starting today. I'll pay your salary in full shift today, but you don't have to work here anymore."

I wasn't shocked to hear this, I was more roiled up to it and I know why Yosef had to do what he had to do. But I insisted a justification just to satisfy my guts.

"I can't exactly tell you why –"

"What kind of boss who couldn't justify the reason for my termination?" I asked impatiently.

"Well, you don't have much right to ask me questions, considered I took you on illegal terms," he replied in agitation.

"Does Pholadi pushed you to it?" I probed further. "Was he the reason why you fired me? You think I fear him?"

"Look, ZJ. I know you're upset," he said, trying to calm me down. "You're a good employee, in fact the best and most hardworking by far. But I don't want the immigration busted this shop for hiring a full-time staff who's on a student visa. I'm doing this for your own good. I'm protecting you."

"Protect me from what? I don't need any protection," I chuckled bitterly. "If you think terminating me would solve my issues, I can easily get employed elsewhere. Al-Jazera for a start."

"Please don't do that," he pleaded. "This whole stretch is under Nick's watch. No one will be safe if he finds out."

"So, it is something to do with Pholadi," I heave a sigh, satisfied with the answer. "He's using my visa status to get rid of me. What a pussy!"

"He has a valid point to do so. But please, stay away from him at all costs," he cautioned me. "If you really need some funds to get you going, let me know. I can help."

"I don't want your charity, sir. Thank you." I said as I stood up and gently bowed to him out of respect. "And don't worry, I am not mad at you at all."