As we walk back in the direction of the police station I wonder about mortality and the meaning of life.

Just kidding, no way am I thinking that deep, I need a break from that shit. I’m thinking about which sushi shop we’re gonna go to. I’ve been meaning to try this place that recently opened up, but I heard they were expensive, so cheers to other people paying the bill.

I look over at Daisy and say, “So, do you wanna eat first, or go to the station? Because I was thinking we eat first, just in case they detain us for a while.”

“Good idea, let’s go.”

I lead the way to the sushi shop, but as we draw near it I notice a sign saying ‘Closed’. I turn to Daisy, and, without saying a word, I slowly drag my finger down my face, mimicking a tear falling. She rolls her eyes and says, “Yeah yeah, I get the message: you’re devastated. Is there anywhere else you wanna go, or do I get to chose?”

“Let’s go to another sushi place.”

“Seriously?” Daisy drags a hand over her head in frustration, but quickly relents. “Haaa, fine.”

I drag her to yet another sushi shop, but yet again I see a ‘closed’ sign. As I stare in disbelief, Daisy speaks up.

“Maybe this is a sign from the Goddess of Money that we should go somewhere less expensive.”

“No, I think she’s telling us to go even more expensive and not limit ourselves. Hmmm, where’s another sushi place? Do you know?”

She just shakes her head and says, “Follow me.”

Interesting. I thought those were the only sushi places down here, but maybe she knows about a hole-in-the-wall place. We walk for about five minutes, then she suddenly swivels around to face me.

“What do you want?”

I stare at her like she’s crazy and ask, “What are you talking about?” I look around, but I don’t see a restaurant nearby. Then I see it. The reason she brought me here. It’s a fucking outdoor vending machine.

“What the actual fuck Daisy?”

She smirks and responds, “You picked two places before and they were both flops, now it’s my turn. Besides, I doubt anyone would let you in while you’re still carrying that smelly finger. Now, do you want the regular granola bar, or the peanut butter flavored one?”

“...the peanut flavored one.”

Daisy gets herself a regular bar, then we go sit on a nearby bench to eat our junk food. I set aside the thumb, making sure to keep it wrapped in case anyone passes by, before unwrapping my bar. Biting into it, I cringe.

“It’s the crunchy type.”

“Literally all granola bars are crunchy, Murphy.”

I sit in sullen silence and crunch on my stupid crunchy granola bar while I listen to Daisy crunch on hers. I wonder if the vending machine has chewy granola bars. Probably not.

“So, what’s the plan?”

I look over at Daisy, and without responding I just shake my head.

“So, no plan? We’re just walking in blind?”

“Yep.”

“Ok”

We crunch in silence for a few more minutes, then she speaks up again.

“But we gotta have some type of plan. First of all, who’s doing the talking?”

“Probably you, since you want to talk so much.” Oh shit. That was rude, even by my standards. I really should’ve just kept crunching. I take a peek at her face to see how mad she is, but based on the fact that she’s not leaving I’m guessing she didn’t hear.

“Daisy?”

“Yeah, I heard you. I’m honestly not that mad. I get that you’re really stressed, and just by looking at your face I can tell you regret saying it.”

“Really?”

“Yes really. Now come on, we need to get this solved before anyone else is murdered.” She stands up and heads towards the nearest trash can, throwing away the wrapper, then returns to where I’m sitting and holds out a hand to me. I look at her hand for a second, then at her, and while retaining serious eye contact I reach over and place the severed thumb in her palm. I start to grin, anticipating her reaction.

She looks down at it, hands it back to me, then calmly states, “I’m going to make your life a living hell once we’re done with this mess.”

My grin disappears. I think she’s mad now.