ARSENAL! [rewritten]

1 // Because of the Internet

DING!

The bells connected to the average, 24/7, convenience store's doors rang as it was swung open.

"Hello." The employee greeted the man who entered the small store.

The man glanced at the employee, acknowledging who was working behind the counter. But he did not reply nor greeted the employee back.

He made his way to the counter's self, where the employee was standing behind. The man bent down and picked up a pack of bubble gum, he stood back up straight as he softly placed the gum onto the checkout counter, and slid it towards the employee.

"Did you find everything you need?" the employee asked as they picked up the gum and scanned it then placed it back down.

"Yes." the man replied with a low, mundane, calm voice.

"Ok, that'll be one dollar and 20 cents. Cash, card, or debit card?"

"Cash," he replied as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a dollar and a quarter. He placed the cash onto the counter and then slid it towards the employee. The employee grabbed the money and placed it into the cash register.

"Would you like the extra change?" the employee asked him.

"No."

"Alright, have a nice afternoon." The employee said as the man took the gum as walked out with the bell rattling behind him.

He stared at the pavement sidewalk as he left the store, he continued to focus his attention on the pavement floor as he walked, watching his every step. Passing by cracks, rocks, and other items that are scattered around the sidewalk. He dragged his attention to the pack of gum he was holding in his left hand. He began trying to break the pack of gum free open with his right hand, as his left held on for support. As he continued walking, his attention was snatched by the sunset. He stopped what he was doing, stopping in his tracks to look at the sunset that was blocked by passing cars, people walking, bike riders, posts, and houses. The light breeze blew his light brown, long-ish mullet hair slightly, with his baggy, long sleeve and light brown sweater also blowing too.

He squinted while trying to look at the sunset, using his right hand to help block the radiant light from the sun. with the sunset fading with light pink and yellow-ish orange colors, as the big and small fluffy clouds also have the colors too.

'What a nice view.' he thought, 'would be better if it was a more clear path.'

He looked back at his left hand that held the pack of gum, then onto the pavement floor. He slid the pack of gum into his left pocket as his hands followed with it too, resting inside his pockets as he continued onto the path to where he lives.

While he continued his way, he passed by posts and buildings, some posts had papers taped or stapled onto them. Some of the papers read about a missing pet, person, ongoing sales, and others. But as he passed by some, one caught his attention. Making him stop in his tracks by it to view it.

'HELP WANTED! SLOTS NOW OPEN!'

The paper read out loud with red ink written on it.

'Looking for a chance for a job? Call our number!' The paper continued with black ink and other words were written.

At the end of the paper, it had tear-off strips with numbers on them, only three out of six being left hanging.

While the job he had was manageable, still allowed him to pay for food, rent, and taxes. It was still limited within the money amount.

He stared at the paper, studying it. As he reached out, he stopped in mid-air. He then tore off one of the strips from the paper with a number on it.

'778-330-2389'

He studied the strip he held between his fingers, reading it over and over. He then slipped the strip into his pocket, along with his hands, then carried his way to his apartment.