Stigmata

Chapter 1 - Stigmata

'Late. Late. Late. Late. Late.'

I ran through the Storm, nearly every step splashing a Puddle as I did.

Nearly slipping, I push my way through a bunch of flying papers.

'Agh- Fuck- Shit- God- Dammit-'

Finally getting through it, I stumble into a Shop, finally taking a breather with a sigh.

"Well, Well. Look who finally arrived."

The Girl at the Front Counter was laying back in a chair with her feet on the Counter.

"Ahh shut it. Everyone knows I'm always late when it rains." I take off my Raincoat, making my way to the Back Room.

"Yes, Yes, you get Chilly and Lazy and whatnot and can't get out of bed. Still your fault for getting a job that's so far from your place."

"Silence, Casual. Or I'm not buying you something from the Store today."

She stuck her tongue out at me as I entered the Back Room to get into Uniform.

After a few moments, I finally step out...

...And she was already out of Uniform.

"...Boss is gonna have your neck for changing out in the open again." I sighed.

"Oh put a Cork in it. Nobody's gonna come in during this stupid Storm anyways."

"...You gonna get home alright?"

"Called a Cab. I'll be fine."

"I hope so. I heard there's a potential Flash Flood Warning near the Northern Side of the City. AKA, where you live."

"Ugh. Seriously? ...Guess I'll go stay with one of my Friends then... ...What about you?"

"I live in a more elevated area, so I should be fine. Only thing I've gotta worry about is another session of Arguing Neighbors."

"They're STILL together!?"

"Literally got back together just yesterday, and immediately started arguing not even an hour later."

"...Your Life's just full of Adventure, huh?"

"Ha. I wish."

"Hmph. ...Welp. I'm outa here. Oh, and I'm taking this." She grabbed a Bag of Chips on her way out.

'Tch. If only I didn't lose that Bet.'

With a sigh, I paid for her Indulgence on my behalf, and went on with my day at work.

With a final wave, she left the Store...

...And thus began my most boring 8 Hour Shift of my life.

I entertained myself with... literally anything, really.

I bought a Bouncy Ball from the Crank Machine and played with that for about an hour.

I took some nearby wet pieces of Paper from outside and began playing with that, molding and shaping it into a ton of different things for about one to two hours.

And this was all while watching Videos on my Phone the whole time, mind you.

"...Hm?"

...I got a Text from my Boss, telling me that I can get off early for the day.

...I messaged back "Do I get paid for the Full Shift, or?"

...And the God that she is said yes.

With a bit of excitement, I quickly flipped the Open Sign, changed out of my Uniform...