Narrated by Jack:
Another day, another headache, is what I say every morning before getting out of bed and starting my day. My daily routine was to wake up, eat, do nothing, and sleep. A very monotonous routine that made me feel like a burden in Robert's house. But today is different; today, I'm going to work.
The other day, I managed to get a job at a music instrument store. The pay isn't great, and the place is old, but it's a start. I’ll stop being a burden in this house and finally contribute, just like Robert.
Surprisingly, I didn't go to college, even though I graduated two years ago. I'm happy with that decision because, after all, college is optional. I didn't want to waste four years of my life on subjects, unbearable professors, and countless situations that would make me hate myself more than I already do.
Jack: (heading down the stairs to meet Jim) —Good morning, Jim, how’s the bad weather treating you?
Jim: —Fine.
Jack: (walking to the kitchen to grab a bowl of cereal) —Are you getting ready for school?
Jim: —No, today is Saturday. (smiling)
Jack: —Oh, right! What are you up to then?
Jim: —I’m watching TV, trying to find something interesting.
Jack: —Alright, I see.
At that moment, Robert entered with a cigarette in hand and started smoking.
Robert: —Good morning, guys. How did you sleep today? (sitting on the sofa to watch TV with Jim)
Jack: —We slept well. By the way, have you seen my work uniform?
Jim: —You mean the red shirt you left in the yard?
Jack: —Yeah... That one. (sarcastically, heading to the front door to retrieve it) I went outside to get it. It was a bit dirty, but not enough to bother me.
I started preparing for my much-anticipated "first day at work," which meant working from eleven in the morning until six in the evening for a barely sufficient salary to cover my needs. After all, I didn't have school expenses to pay, just an iPod I wanted to buy.
After a shower and putting on my shirt, I headed to the bus stop. While waiting, my mind wandered to everything but work. After half an hour, I arrived at the small store.
Cashier: —Hello, how can I help you?
Jack: —I'm here to work.
Cashier: —Ah, I see. Could you give me your identification number?
Jack: —Sure, here it is. (handing over my number, as my manager approached)
Manager: —Good morning, Mr. Jack. You're eight minutes late. Do you know what that means?
Jack: —Yes, sir. I know what that means. (though I had no idea)
Manager: —Look, Jack, I know you're new, but if you want to make a good first impression, you need to arrive earlier.
Jack: —Yes, manager.
Manager: —Alright then, get to work.
As he walked away, I thought about what he said,
Jack: —Wow, he called me 'sir'! (focusing more on the formality rather than the reprimand) I'm a 'sir' now, with a job and a salary!
I headed to my post, standing and observing customers like a stalker, only for them to tell me they were just browsing. It was stressful, to be honest. Not for me, but for the customers.
Gradually, people came in just to look around. Sometimes they asked questions, and we explained that "touching is not allowed," which discouraged many from visiting our store. No wonder we were on the brink of closing down.
After a long while, it was getting late, so I decided to chat with my colleagues. We talked until I saw a customer walk in.
Jack: —Don't worry, guys, I've got this one. (while they laughed)
Jack: —Good afternoon, welcome to InstrumentShop. How can I help you?
Customer: —I'd like to see the synthesizers.
Jack: —The synthesizers are in that corner, next to the pianos.
Customer: —Thanks, Jack.
Jack: —What! How do you know my name?
Customer: —It's on your name tag. (teasingly)
Jack: —Well, if you know my name, I think I should know yours. (jokingly)
Hana: —Well, my name is Hana, nice to meet you.
She headed to the synthesizer section and seemed a bit indecisive, or at least that's what I perceived. So, I approached to help her choose.
Jack: —Hey, did you know the best synthesizer for making songs is this one? Take advantage of the discount and get it for 80 dollars!
Hana: —I’ll keep that in mind. (she picked up a box and headed to the checkout)
Jack: —Another satisfied customer, and probably the only one who bought something today.
I went to organize the boxes she had moved to get the synthesizer and noticed a ring.
Jack: —Oh, a ring... Wait, isn’t this Hana’s ring?
When I turned around, she was already gone. Normally, someone would leave it in a box for the customer to return and retrieve it. But what if I played the good guy and brought it to her? What a genius idea, Jack!
I started walking through the mall, looking for her. I searched and searched but couldn't find her. Just as I was about to give up and head back to the store, I saw her parked in a van near the entrance.
Hana: —Where could that ring be?
Jack: —HEY, HANA, I HAVE YOUR RING!
Hana: —AAAH!
Jack: —Sorry for scaring you, but I have your ring.
Hana: —Oh, thanks. Was it in the store?
Jack: —Yes, I found it there.
Hana: —Thanks, it must have fallen out of my pocket.
Jack: —Your pocket? Why keep a ring in your pocket instead of on your finger?
Hana: —Better not ask, ha ha!
Jack: —Yeah, better not. (laughing a bit)
Hana: —Well, thanks, and goodbye.
Jack: —Same to you.
I watched as she drove off in her van, which had "Luno Band" written on the back.
Jack: —Looks like she has a band. Interesting.
I returned to my job and found my colleagues still chatting as I had left them. It was time to close up, and we all left the establishment. We headed to the exit and said our goodbyes for the day. While some left in their cars, I, being broke, took the bus.
I got on the bus and sat down. As it started moving, the sun set behind the neighborhood mountains, and the sky turned pink. My mind went blank, thinking only about getting home and continuing my life.
I walked through the wooden door and saw Jim and Robert in the living room.
Robert: —Hey, Jack, how was your first day at work?
Jack: —Very good.
Jim: —That's great! Come and sit with us. Robert bought some sci-fi movies. Do you want to watch them with us?
Jack: —Sure, just let me get changed into my pajamas.
I sat on my bean bag and watched the movie while Jim ate a chocolate bar and Robert smoked a cigarette.
We stayed like that until the movie ended, and Robert sent us to bed. We went to our respective rooms and fell asleep.
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