Beneath Our Graves

A Grave Situation

Sitting on the floor, I stared blankly at my hands.

What have I done?

I looked over at the mangled piece of bread on the floor, which seemed to stare at me condescendingly.

How could I have possibly messed up toast?

Sighing, I pulled myself to my feet, brushing the hair out of my face. I got a broom and tried my best to sweep up all the bread crumbs, but I'd have to get a sponge for the butter.

Let's get one thing straight; I couldn't cook to save my life. As shown by the murder scene on my kitchen floor, and countless other failures, it just wasn't for me. Which was quite a problem, considering my father was passing on the family business today. And the family business just so happened to be Ares Italian Bistro.

I might as well be watching my future go up in flames.

Speaking of which, the toaster was on fire.

"Wait, what?"

I let out a mini scream, filling the nearest cup with water, before hesitating. Was it safe to throw water on an electric fire? Guess I'd find out.

The toaster sizzled, melted plastic dripping onto the counter. Smoke puffed out of the heaters and I choked, fanning the air. It stuttered once, something I didn't think toasters should do, before falling silent, the plastic cooling, and the red glowing heaters dimming.

I really hoped I'd get my deposit back.

..........

After about an hour of trying to clean up the remains of my little adventure, I collapsed onto my bed to scroll through Craigslist for a new toaster. And possibly a new life.

My phone buzzed and I startled, dropping it straight onto my face. I groaned, clutching my nose while I looked to see who it was.

Carlos
where are you???

I glanced at the time, jumping up in surprise. I was supposed to be at the restaurant half an hour ago!

Carlos
I'm coming over to get you
your dad's furious

I winced, grabbing my bag before making a b-line for the door. I reached for the handle, opening it right as a man was about to knock.

"Is Ms. Ares home?" The man asked, taking a step backward and lowering his hand.

"That would be me!" I smiled, before trying to slip past him. "I'm in a bit of a rush though, family business."

He ignored me, blocking my path.

"I'm the contractor of your father's restaurant. May I come in? I have a few things I would like to discuss."

I frowned, pausing. I thought he was supposed to meet us at the restaurant. Maybe I took too long and he decided just to come and get it over with.

"Of course, right this way."

I motioned for him to follow me into my kitchen, pulling a chair back at the kitchen island.

"So what would you like to discuss?" I asked, turning around to the sink. Might as well try to cook something while we're here.

"It's about the lease."

I nodded, pulling out the ingredients for some shiscobabs. Maybe those would work out better than the toast.

"The expiration date is in exactly one month, and you don't have an automatic renewal clause," He said, and I heard the chair being pushed in. "Unless you make a down payment of 4,000 dollars, I'm afraid we're going to ask you to leave."