The loading rhythm settles around Adam. Forklifts beep at the far end of the dock, pallets shift under practiced hands, and cold air spills from the warehouse into the heat.
Darren Pike
Keep the stack square. If a crate starts leaning, set it down and rebuild rather than trying to catch it.
The warehouse crew works in a compact circuit around him, passing crates, checking labels, and leaving narrow lanes clear for the forklifts. Adam’s careful pace fits without disrupting it.
Darren Pike
You have good control for someone new to dock work. Do you have experience with produce, or are you learning as you go?
A wall clock advances toward break time. Sweat gathers beneath Adam’s borrowed vest, while the replacement boots remain secure despite their imperfect fit.
Darren Pike
Break is in ten minutes. Water station is beside the office. After that, we load the afternoon truck.