An Irrationally Angry Writer's Guide to a Brave New World

Chapter 0: Pre-Life

The smell of freshly baked bread wafted into my nose, gently teasing me with its aroma. My stomach grumbled but there was nothing I could do about it honestly. I mean, ask anyone who has been stuck out on the cold pavement, sleeping inside an old abandoned building and they'll tell you as much. The rent is cheap but that's all you get. The amenities were bad, the place reeked of pee and the fellow mice tenants would even freeload off your food. It was a rough neighborhood and I'm not even talking about the people.

"I want a bite..."

I gently got up, using my shaking arms to hoist myself off the floor, wobbling as I walked over to the doorway. My legs were shuddering under the weight of my jiggling belly, but I suppose that's karma. What sort of idiot would be fine lashing out on their family in a blind rage after failing school once? You guessed it, this guy! And so squandering up my remaining savings, I went to the computer shop to write, after blowing my money on food, water, and finding a good rental spot. I just carried on running as far as my legs would take me, and this is where I wound up, sleeping inside of a dilapidated building whose windows were lined with broken glass and walls were being slowly devoured by moss. It wasn't much but for now, it had to be my home... at least until I get some sort of hit on my book or something of the sorts.

The streets weren't as bad as I supposed them to be. The sound of rushing vehicles, honking cars, and the occasional drunkards singing from across the block acted as my personal buffer to the voices I hear in the evening or the sound of my belly on a penniless night. But I digress, this evening I wanted to head out to get some food from the small bakery just across the street. They sold some really cheap bread worth a few pennies and not only were they cheap, but they were also extravagantly delicious. One might even say that I'm ordering a feast right now, but I digress. I've got delicious bread and warm smiles I got to bite into.

After a few quick steps across the small street that separated me and the puffy dreamland I sought, I found myself knocking in front of heaven, while the glass casing displayed the bread singing my name as it beckoned me to buy. However, those beautiful angels were obscured by a tender woman who wore a small bandana on her forehead, masking her braided black hair. She looked at me with her beautiful blue eyes before, frowning before taking out the sword of Eden, a weapon I knew too well.

"Are you going to borrow money again Null?! You just paid your debt right!"

"Woah, chill out Lieze! I got money this time!"

But the sword swung down, engulfing me in its hairy, not to mention, dirty brush. It was soon followed by a simple whack to the face using its shaft. Lieze was surely skilled at handling her legendary staff. I fell to the floor, wincing in pain as I slowly backed away from the edge of her mighty broom. However, instead of pressing forward, she rescinded her weapon, sighing as she rested it by the side of the counter as I helped myself up. I dusted off my shorts which were already filthy thanks to my bad living conditions, before reaching into my pocket and pulling out a twenty peso bill.

Lieze's mouth dropped in awe.

"That's way more than you worked for yesterday! Did the construction gig help you?"

"Yeah, that's exactly the reason why I wanted to spoil myself this evening..."

I sheepishly scratched my cheek, looking away as Lieze walked over to the glass cabinet. She pulled out a small cake from inside, placing it on the table before looking back at me.

"Take a bath; I'll let you take some soap from my supply. Get yourself cleaned and if it's possible, wash your clothes. We'll celebrate your slow rise back to society."

"Lieze..."

"Shut up already, I'm just being kind. Now go, before I change my mind!"

Tears streamed down my face as I made my way to the entry to Lieze's anteroom, but before I could enter, the sound of a motorcycle stopping in front of her house made me freeze in my tracks. I turned to see two men resting their vehicle by the side, getting off as they fixed the wrinkles in their sleeves. I switched my gaze to Lieze, but instead of the usual delight on her face when she serves, she looked downright mortified, shuddering as she backed away.