A few minutes later, Lex arrived at the market. The place bustled with noise and activities. Even at this time of the night, it was densely packed with people. Stalls lined side by side; sellers shouted over each other, advertising their goods. The air was thick with the smell of spice and sweat. Meat sizzled in oily pans, and fried chicken brought a satisfying aroma.
Lex joyfully walked into the market, merging with the dense crowd. His shoulders brushed the pedestrians as he walked by. A few minutes later, he arrived at a food stall, tucked tightly between two closed boutique shops. A bunch of tables were laid around the stall. Seating at a particular table was a bunch of high school students, chattering endlessly. A high school was not too far from the market, so it was usually filled with final-year students who were allowed to roam free at night.
"Lex!" "Long time no see," a woman who was around her mid-fifties spoke, a warm smile crossing her face. The warmth matched that of the soup pot behind her. "Mama Rina!" Exclaimed Lex. "It hasn't been that long; it's only just been two weeks."
"Two weeks, two years – when you're at my age, it's all the same," said Mama Rina, her shoulders shrugging. "That's not true," replied Lex. "I bet when people see you and Elle walk side by side, they usually see you both as sisters."
"Stop with the flattering," said Mama Rina. "I'm not young; you're only exaggerating." Though she seemed annoyed as she replied, the joy in her eyes couldn't be hidden.
"Alright, enough talk. What would you like to have? The usuals, right?" "Yes, that," replied Lex as he walked towards a chair, slumping onto it. Both of his elbows rested on the table in front of him. His jaw was tucked on his right hand as he gazed towards the high school students who weren't too far; he listened closely.
They chattered excitedly about the system virus that had just been released into the web, arguing if it was helpful or dangerous. Mama Rina placed the food along with a bottle of water on the table. "I added a bit of carbohydrates. Eat more, Lex," she grinned, "so you can get some muscles, or else you will die a virgin."
"I better eat then," Lex spoke, digging into the food. It was nothing extraordinary – just a bowl of rice and a couple of crayfish sprinkled on top, adorning it. This was what Lex cherished: something simple, average, that he could afford.
After a couple of food chugs, Lex resorted to drinking water and ending the meal. Satisfied, he reached out to his wallet, dropping a couple of bills on the table. He stood up and waved goodbye to Mama Rina. "Mama Rina, I'll be on my way now. I'll come back tomorrow."
"Ok, be careful on the way, alright? It's no more safe out there," Mama Rina waved back while giving him a warning. "I will..." Lex echoed, disappearing into the crowd.
Lex alighted from the taxi, standing directly in front of a fluorescent sign that flickered weakly. He then proceeded into the supermarket; the place was quiet except for the low hum of the air conditioner and refrigerator. Inside was a man who stood behind the counter, wiping some fruits with a white cloth. Old Charlie called Lex as he approached the counter with a smile.
Old Charlie raised his head up, smiling brightly as his gaze fell on Lex. "Let me guess," spoke Old Charlie, "you're out of groceries again, aren't you?" "You know me, Old Charlie. I don't like doing these things anyway, but since tomorrow's a weekend, I don't want to be out at all," he shrugged, picking up a basket and going ahead to pick up a few things.
He didn't need anything much – just groceries enough to last him for one week. He paced back and forth and, having grabbed what he needed, walked back to the counter. "I see; it's still the regulars, isn't it?" "Yes, it is," answered Lex. "What can I say? I like to live a simple life, one where you could live according to your own free will. After all, we only live once."
A sparkle of emotion appeared in Lex's eye as he spoke. "Hmmmm. That's a wonderful perspective on life," spoke Old Charlie. "You're different from most of the youngsters out there. I wish my children were like you."
Lex sighed; he knew what Old Charlie was going through – how troublesome his children were, here and there. "Don't worry, Old Charlie," replied Lex. "When they reach the right age, I'm sure they'll come back to their senses." "Thank you, Lex," answered Old Charlie. "Anytime."
Removing his card from his wallet, he swiped it towards the machine; it beeped, then confirmed the payment. "Alright then, old man. I'll see you later. Close early; it's not safe for you to be here alone." "You brat," you're meant to worry about yourself instead, said Old Charlie as he watched Lex's back fade into the night. He shook his head, smiling heartily, as he resumed cleaning the fruits.
It was quite late in the night now; the bright moon hung in the sky, clouds hovering around it. Lex checked the time on his phone, exhaling, mists trailing out from his mouth. He was walking in the dark alley path that led directly to his residential building. Halfway, the lights in the whole city went out. Lex felt strange, like someone was watching him. He looked back to ensure he wasn't being followed. There was no one behind him. He then turned his gaze forward; his temperature suddenly went cold as just a few meters away was a black, strange gun, pointed directly at him.
He couldn't make out the face of the figure that stood behind the gun, except for the tall hat the figure wore. He stammered, "I-I have money if that's what you want. Please don't k-kill me." BANG! A loud sound resounded throughout the alley. Lex fell back heavily towards the ground, his groceries spilling on the floor. He felt his life and thoughts seep out of him at a rapid rate.
The clouds that covered the moon dispersed, giving way. Slowly, the figure disappeared from the alley along with the mist that covered it. "So this is how I die, huh?" Spoke Lex. "I wish I was at least not a virgin. Guess my boring life is over." That was the thought that echoed in his head before he completely lost consciousness.