Among The Wolves

Homicide

"I am sorry I was not able to guide you yesterday, I got called away. Here you go, little puppy."

I ignored the Wos'Theian reference and looked at the heavenly, egg burrito laying unclaimed and alone on a paper plate. It was calling my name, "Keejyytaa… Keeeejjyyyytaaaa."

The steam that wafted from the hot burrito tickled my nose and I could hold back no more. I seized the burrito, brought it to my watering mouth and took a hearty bite. 

It was just as those chocolate commercials predicted. I had a sensation when taking that first bite. You know, how when the person takes a bite of chocolate and suddenly their eyes open and they start floating? That's the feeling this burrito gave me. I think I just made a new friend. 

"That's so sweet, this tiny puppy is so hungry."

I raised a confused eyebrow when the skin-and-bones woman in front of me pinched my food filled cheek. "I'm not a puppy." I mumbled past the egg deliciousness. 

The middle aged woman made it evident that she realized the truth of my simple statement. "Oh," wow, her tone just changed drastically. "Then you are not the new egg collector that we hired yesterday?" Her face showed a new level of seriousness when she glanced at my half-burrito

Now it was my turn to realize the truth of her reaction. With my mouth still full. I looked sadly at the half eaten meal. I don't think this was especially made for me. Bowing my head in shame I placed my new friend back on the paper plate Mrs. Mu was still holding. 

"No ma'am, I am Kejyta."

Mrs Mu took a sceptical step back… taking that burrito with her. Then, she sniffed (this made me groan)."You are the human." The statement was short and offhanded.

She suddenly looked to me like a Cruella De Vil. Only this lady had a red dress, the same material as my red jumpsuit. The material looked much much much better in the form if a business dress than a jumpsuit. 

Mrs. Mu heaved and then let out a long sigh. It was so long I could have easily died from asphyxiation. My goodness! Are you all right woman?

She stared blankly at me for a span of 14 seconds. I know this because it was so awkward I decided to count the time to ease the tension. I don't think it helped.

"Right, well then, follow me." Mrs. Mu turned around and began walking.

I was sorely disappointed, my gaze was still fixated on the heavenly egg burrito laying half claimed and alone on the paper plate. My stomach began to whine. Can I at least have the rest of it? I mean, it's not like the new egg collector is gonna want to eat a half eaten breakfast wrap.

We walked back to the building, whose basement I now call home. Instead of going around to the back I made a new endeavor by going up the front steps and through the main door. We then appeared in a lobby. It was a long one. Most walls were lined with old, gray, lockers. Various shoes were scattered about making the whole place smell of foot sweat. 

Mrs. Mu pulled what looked like a credit card badge and handed it to me. She pointed out a small gadget next to the front door. "This is your checking in card. Swipe in to work and swipe out when you are set for the day. I will see the time stamps on my computer so as to keep you accountable. I will not handle missed badges, if one is missed then there will be consequences. Any questions?"

I shook my head. I was too eager to get out of this lady's presence to dawdle our already strenuous conversation. Thankfully, Mrs. Mu seemed to have the same feeling. 

She grabbed a grappler leaning on one of the lockers and held it out to me. "You will start with the trash that is around the containers.  Report to me right at noon for lunch, if you are a moment too late then there will be no ration for you. There is an alarm on your watch so you have no excuse."