Day 1. Whiskey in the Jar

As Taiji wandered through the bustling streets of Gdańsk, his thoughts were consumed by one name: Freyja. She had disappeared without a trace, leaving him with nothing but unanswered questions and a gnawing sense of worry. He had scoured every corner of the city, hoping to catch even the faintest whisper of her whereabouts.

His stomach growled loudly, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten since morning. Spotting a sign that read “Whiskey in the Jar,” Taiji’s curiosity piqued. Perhaps a good meal would clear his mind, or at least offer a temporary distraction from his worries.

Entering the restaurant, Taiji was greeted by the aroma of sizzling steaks and the sound of lively chatter. The rustic yet modern interior immediately caught his eye, offering a warm respite from the chilly April air.

“Table for one?” the hostess asked, snapping Taiji out of his reverie.

“Yes, please,” he replied, following her to a cozy corner table by the window. As he settled into his seat, Taiji couldn’t help but marvel at the breathtaking view of the Motlawa River.

A waiter approached with a menu, and Taiji scanned it eagerly. The “Rockin” steak caught his attention, along with the BBQ burger and ribs with cheese sauce. He made a mental note to try them all.

“Can I start you off with something to drink?” the waiter asked, interrupting Taiji’s thoughts.

“I’ll have an Old Fashioned, please,” Taiji replied, hoping the strong whiskey cocktail would calm his nerves.

As he waited for his drink, Taiji couldn’t help but overhear snippets of conversation from nearby tables. Couples laughed and chatted over plates of food, their joy a stark contrast to Taiji’s own turmoil.

His Old Fashioned arrived just in time, and Taiji took a sip, relishing the smooth burn of the whiskey. For a moment, he forgot about Freyja and lost himself in the flavors dancing on his tongue.

When his meal arrived, Taiji dug in with gusto, savoring every bite. The steak, cooked to perfection, melted in his mouth, and the BBQ burger was a symphony of flavors. For a brief moment, the worries that plagued him seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of contentment.

As he finished his meal, Taiji couldn’t help but feel grateful for the brief respite Whiskey in the Jar had provided. Though his search for Freyja was far from over, he knew that he would face it with a full stomach and renewed determination.