Alone

Chapter 3

It's been weeks and I still haven't managed to make a decent living in this stupid town yet.

I've been scavenging for food, killing any rabbit or going through garbage bins like some feral raccoon, just to keep myself alive.

The cars speed by, barely missing my existence as I study every store in hopes of finding one that is hiring.

Minutes pass before a sign taped to the window of a bar some distance ahead of me catches my attention. I approach the building in order to read the poster.

They're in need of employees. This is just what I need.

I enter the bar, shuddering as the scents of assorted alcohol and what I'm assuming is body odour drenched alcoholics hangs in the stuffy air.

"Hi, I see that you are in need of employees and I would like to apply for a spot," I say to the man behind the bar counter, attempting to sound professional, despite the fact that I have never had a job in my life.

"Do you have any experience having a job?" the man questions, eyeing me skeptically as he examines my ragged appearance.

"Yes."

I'm totally lying, but he doesn't need to know that.

"I am in desperate need of another job and I would love to work here." I try again, staring into his dark eyes and searching for any trace of pity in their soulless depths.

"I'm sorry, but there are many people in need of a job. Besides, I don't hire teens who look like they've spent all their cash on drugs." His words pierce the silence and tear me to shreds.

I take a step back, allowing myself to comprehend what he had just said.

"I've never had any drugs in my life!" I exclaim defensively. There is no way I'm going to have a bad reputation in this town.

At least not this soon.

"Whatever, just understand that you are no longer welcome here." He motions towards the door and I don't hesitate for a second, scoffing at the man as I exit the wretched place.

I can't believe how kind people are these days.

Sighing, I continue my search for a job, but of course, I find no success.

Suddenly, I hear a shrill bark from around one of the street corners and I head towards to the origin of the sound, soon met by the sight of a stray dog.

The creature is lying down on the ground, evidently exhausted and starving.

"I see that you're doing just as well as I am," I mutter caustically as I extend my hand out to show her that I mean no harm.

The dog moves towards me hesitantly and I take the opportunity to stroke her scraggly dark fur. Her tail begins to wag and she drags her tongue across my skin, causing my lips to curve into a grin.

"Looks like you've been alone a while," I converse with the fellow canine as I proceed to stroke her head. I guess I can say that I've made my first friend in this town.

"You're good with animals, aren't you?" An unfamiliar voice speaks from behind me. I stand up, startled, looking over my shoulder to see an adult standing there with his hands in his pockets.

"I guess you could say that I have a connection with them," I reply, trying not to laugh at my own strategically witty answer.

"My pet store could really use a guy like you. Would you like to work there for a bit so I can see if you are long-term employee material?" the stranger asks, glancing at me and then at the dog who is sitting by my leg.