The rain hit the city like it had something to prove.
Damon Black sat on the edge of a stained mattress in a one-bedroom apartment that smelled like old ramen and lost hope. One flickering bulb lit the room, casting shadows across the cracked walls and the unopened eviction notice taped to the front door. His phone, screen shattered like his future, buzzed on the floor. He didn't pick it up.
He already knew what it was.
A video. Her. Another man.
The same girl who said "forever." The same girl who held him when he had nothing. Now letting someone else take what little light he had left.
His hands trembled as he leaned forward, elbows on knees, head bowed. No tears. He'd cried too many times for too many things. Tonight felt… empty. Like something inside him had died. Or maybe it had been dying for a while — he just hadn't noticed.
The world was loud outside. Sirens, shouting, laughter from someone else's party. But inside, there was only silence and the dull ache of being forgotten.
Damon whispered to no one, "What's the point, man? I tried. I really tried…"
Then it happened.
A small chime.
Like a notification — but not from his phone.
[Check-In System Activated.]
Location: Damon Black's Bed
Status: Emotional Crisis Detected
Reward: $10 — Survival Bonus.
He blinked.
"…what the f—?"
[Welcome, Host.]
You've successfully checked in at your lowest point. Congratulations on not giving up.
This is the beginning.
Next check-in: Within 24 hours. Bonus rewards for consistency.
And just like that, $10 appeared in his CashApp. No sender. No trace.
Damon stared at the screen. Confused. Shocked. Almost laughing.
"Am I losing my mind?"
Then he remembered the hunger in his stomach. The emptiness in his fridge. The weight of one last choice.
Eat… or quit.
He picked up his hoodie, shoved the $10 into his mind like a miracle, and walked into the storm.