Just Dumb Enough to Try

Well, You Can do it Without Me

      Louis massaged his shoulder while looking over his homework. The soreness had almost entirely gone, except for  singular, stubborn knot. His fingers dug in, trying to massage the lump that had been plaguing him for a few days now.

      Getting nowhere with his assignment, he began scrolling through his email. His dads name appeared, nestled between emails from his school's and a company promoting penis enlargement. The subject line read: Upcoming Weeks. He clicked on it and skimmed it. His eyes were drawn to the words Corporate Gala. He rolled his eyes. He knew events like this were just so corporations like his father's could show off and make deals.

      Apparently Louis was to be taking a daughter of another CEO. Who that would be was yet to be determined, his father hadn't closed any deals yet. The possibility of marriage was mentioned and Louis shut his laptop in disgust.

      "Shit." He leaned back in his chair. Why were things always difficult? He took in a shallow breath as the pain from slouching settled in. He stretched in his chair, trying to ease it. Sitting up right, he felt a clearer head as his breath dropped in. He knew he would have to confront his dad on this.

      He got up and stretched more before grabbing his stuff and heading out the door. Even though it was sunny, it still felt gloomy, like the sun's warmth couldn't quite reach him. He felt his confidence waved as he climbed into the bus. A weight formed in his stomach as he watched the school pull away from view.

      He kept opening his phone throughout the ride and click on Legosi's messages. Then he would close his phone, knowing very well Legosi wouldn't answer at work. A familiar loneliness crept in. He tried to imagine the zebra next to him was Legosi. It didn't help.

      The buildings grew in size as they traveled further into the city. The bus became one of the tiny insecta surrounded by skyscrapers. Louis pulled the rope hanging from the window. A light came on in the front, signifying that a stop had been requested. The zebra, who wasn't Legosi, begrudgingly got up to let Louis through as he made his way off the bus.

      The smell of trash overcame the smell of concrete and exhaust as he walked up the street. His hand reflexively grabbed at the nonexistent one as he rounded the corner. A building made entirely of black glass stuck out among the concrete ones. It was probably meant to look cutting edge, but to most passerbys it looked evil. He passed a homeless weasel with a sign wishing him a good day. His cup only had a few coins in it.

      He took a breath and pulled the black doors open. His reflection slid from view. His eyes watered a little bit as the cold dry air blasted him.

      The lobby had little color, save for the gold that accented the white marble and black carpets. Louis walked up to the receptionist and the massive stone Horns Conglomerate logo behind her.

      "I'm here to see Oguma." Louis told her.

      "I'm afraid he can't see anyone right now." She smiled, clearly new.

      "He'll see me." Louis said, handing her his ID.

      "My apologies, sir."

      He entered the elevator and pressed the top floor. The doors closed and he was alone with the infinite other louis' drifting off into the abyss of the black mirrors. His ears popped as the elevator picked up speed before slowing and coming to a halt.

      The doors opened to another receptionist. Louis walked past the sheep and to the doors behind her, much to her displeasure. His heart punched his stomach as he pulled one open and stepped inside. The air was cooler even though there was no visible AC.