I worked at this McDonald’s store for 3 years and counting. I also worked at another McDonald’s store from 2009-2010. They are both within the same franchise. I worked at Arby’s from 2015-2017. In all 3 occasions, almost everyone was kind and supportive, especially some management people. That was how I came to look up to the GM in the first place.

At my current job, I remember being included in people’s conversations. I was accepted even with my idiosyncrasies. Recently, however, these same people purposely leave me out. When they do talk to me, it’s mostly to make fun of me. Half of those willing to call me by my new name does it to laugh at me. The rest of them are simply honoring my request.

I have very few coworkers left who are still on my side, a couple of which agreed to do “therapy” with me. I also asked a few coworkers to be my sisters and they said yes. I don’t have siblings you know.

And don’t get me started on my recent shake buying ritual. The GM had liked me the entire time before he transferred. Back in February one day, he was at a table having a small strawberry shake topped with Oreos. I asked him where’s mine, not really expecting anything. He then offered to buy me a shake, to which I said yes and please make it the exact same way.

So I ended up with that small strawberry with Oreo topping paid for with his Apple Pay. It’s quite chilling remembering my next response. I told him he’s so good and don’t ever transfer. He said he’ll have to eventually. And back then neither of us knew he would be gone a month and a half later lol.

But I shoulda saw it coming cuz nothing good in my life ever lasted long. I shoulda known he’s gonna change as a person like so many others had.

Yet, the one way I deal with my grief is to keep the memory alive of the person he used to be. Changing my name and buying shakes for myself or for the bum outside helps me cope. And it’s always strawberry with Oreos.

I need to talk to my sister now