If someone had told me three months ago that I would be in position I would have called them a greasy filthy liar. I'm in one of the finest restaurants in town eating an amazing meal, surrounded by people who probably don't understand the concept of a hard day's work. But I'm getting ahead of myself let's start the beginning.
*Three Months Earlier*
The storm outside was raging causing the lights in the restaurant to flicker. I was supposed to leave hours ago but ended up pulling another double shift because of heavy call offs. I was in the back washing dishes. There was a loud crash. I ran around the corner to find my co-worker Shelia on the ground. She was unconscious.
"Call 911" I shouted.
When the paramedics arrived, I let them in through the back. I wanted to avoid causing a panic in the front. People would have rush counter trying to be nosy. Phones would be out but for the wrong reason. Recording instead of calling for help. God people are annoying that way.
During my next shift I was called into my manager's office. Gordon sat in his chair a stack of papers in front him. Gordon is an older man early 50s. From the wrinkles and bags under his eyes anyone could tell Gordon lived a hard life.
"What's up Gordo" I said.
"Have a seat Desmond" Gordon said gesturing toward the chair in front of his desk.
This can't be good. I thought to myself. Anytime Gordon told me to sit I was about to receive bad news. Like when he told me my vocation request was denied or that time when I was told that I would have to work doubles all week.
"Desmond about Shelia's fall. I've been told to place you on unpaid suspension. For unsafe work practices." Gordon started.
Instantly rage filled eyes.
"The fuck am I being suspended for? I had nothing to do with her fall Gordo."
"We watched the footage from the camera. It looked like she tripped over a pallet of buns." Gordon continued.
"Okay Gordo but I didn't leave the pallet there. Morris did and I told him to move it. He never did if anyone should be sitting here it's him."
"Look between me and you Morris avoided responsibility because of his connection to the owner. Plus, he has more seniority. My bosses wanted to blame someone and because you were the scheduled dish washer and where the pallet was you drew the short end of the stick Desmond. I'm so sorry. I really tried to fight for you, but my bosses threaten my job. With Brenda being sick I can't afford to lose my job."
I was pissed but I understood where Gordon was coming from. His wife had fallen after the twins went off to college. He had to work to get her medicine because the insurance company only covered so much. He put in 60-hour weeks sometimes. Come the end of the week he was dragging. His thoughts would be shattered. I worried about him a lot. Even started a donation jar for him and Brenda. Everyone except one person put in. Everyone except that shady bastard Morris.
"Your suspension is for 3 weeks. Desmond, I need you to clock out and go home." Gordon said.
My rage was at its boiling point. I kept telling myself it wasn't Gordon fault. He said he fought for me, and I believed him 100%.
"Damn Dee we just heard." Keith said.
Yeah man what I do. Gordo went to bat for me but unfortunately the higher ups weren't going to let it go. Morris was standing in the blind spot in the kitchen. I saw his smug ass smile. It was as if he was gloating. He felt untouchable and I was going to change that.
His bullshit smile sent me over the edge. Before I knew it I had hit him. Morris slammed into the sink. His nose started to gush blood. I actually heard the bone break. The pride in his eyes quickly turned to shock and fear. I grabbed him by the collar.
"You better say a fucking word about this to fucking coward. For all Gordo knows your dumbass walked into the freezer door. Nodded if you understand you fucking shit beetle."
Morris nodded his head frantically. I was never really the fighting type in school, but this is different. He didn't take my lunch money or knock my books on the floor. What Morris did cost me three weeks of pay. That was my rent money, my light bill money, the money was using to live.
I was waiting for the bus when the anxiety finally crept in. How was going to pay next month's rent or buy groceries? My heart was pounding inside my chest. My breathe was labored. I felt like I was going to pass out. Sweat began pouring down my forehead. Eventually the bus showed. I paid then my way to the very back window seat.
I use my hands to cover my face. I was trying to hide the tears that started flowing.
*30 minutes later*
"Next Stop Jefferson Street" the automated voice called.
I pull the string signaling that this my stop.
Ding
"Stop Requested" the automated stated.
It was a five block walk from the bus stop to my apartment building. Walking the street only made me more depressed. There were abandoned and empty fields everywhere. Even though its summertime there weren't any kids outside. I remember being a kid all we did was play outside. We drunk water from the water hose. I remember my mom telling me that, I would have to come in if I kept running in and out.
I finally made to my building.
"Henderson Estates" the sign read.
The speaker was broken and hanging off the wall. In order to open the door, I kind of had to play with the key a bit order to get to catch. The hallway had a permit foul milk smell. The walls were covered in graffiti. Honestly the place was a shit hole. I reached the door to my one-bedroom shoe box apartment.
I threw my keys in the bowl next to the door. I was too emotionally drained to shower so bed it was. I told myself I'll be a responsible human once I wake up. But for now, a nap was calling my name.
*Ding*
[System unlock requirements met]
[Conqueror system unlocked]
[Installing]
I woke up a few hours later to find notification from my bank.