When Anabella returned to the counter, the other staff members were quick to pick up on the exchange. A younger coworker, a bubbly beta with a knack for lightening the mood, approached her with a warm smile.
"Hey, don't worry about the rush today. I've got your back, okay? Just holler if you need help with anything."
Anabella managed a small smile in return. "Thanks. I'll be fine, though. I don't want to slow anyone down."
"You're not slowing anyone down," the beta insisted. "We're a team, and teams look out for each other. Got it?"
The sincerity in their voice touched her, and she nodded again, feeling a little less alone.
