Ocean Drive, Miami, Florida, April 3rd, 1989. The neon-lit streets cast a glow, the puddles taking
on a pink hue under the radiant lights coming from the bars lining the boulevard. The
atmosphere is strangely different from the usual lights of purple and green that dominate the
city's nightlife. My jacket seemed heavier than usual. As I trudge along through the puddles, the
remnants of this morning's phone call play loud and vividly in my mind.
"We need you to get rid of a few varmints for this client, make it quick. She doesn't like animals
in her home," the monotone voice on the other end of the line had said. The thought of the task
hangs in the air as I try to make my way through the streets of Miami. I think about why I am
doing this, and I can't ever come up with a real and clear answer. Except I can, I just choose not
to believe it.
Looking upward, the dimly lit street lights overhead cast long and dark shadows. I'm used to the
darkness due to my job, so the shadows don't scare me in the slightest. Every step I take is a
deliberate move deeper into the world of darkness, it is far too late for me to return. I
approached a convenience store, hoping to see a long time friend.
"Hey man, it's good to see you. I was worried about you; I haven't seen you since all these
massacres started occurring lately. Apparently, some pig masked maniac keeps killing people
by the dozens. I'm just glad you're safe. After your girlfriend broke up with you, I was worried
you'd go off the deep end. But let's not talk too much about that. How about your food is on me
today?" My friend's words break the silence, as I stare lifelessly at him.
Accepting his gesture, I grabbed the food from him and stepped back out onto the streets, the
pink puddles now black and lightless seemed to be staring at me. The bars were now closed
and I was left with walking in my own darkness. As I make my way to my apartment, I can't help
but wonder how different life would be if I didn't take on this never ending job, but in the end I
wouldn't have chosen any different. This is my life and I enjoy it, now matter how twisted it has
become
