An Inch Of Infinity (Short Version)

CHAPTER 3~The Market

 We make tracking devices, mini speakers, handcuffs, robotic machinery and any other kind of electronic devices that the Keepers or royalties require/want. Today I got there 5 minutes early. I just have to rhythmically pull a lever, for my entire shifts and the machine stamps out computer chips. I won't lie, it hurts my biceps really bad and I often think my arm will fall off, other times I can't feel it. Each chip is identical to the last. Like the Keepers marching through town. A memory stirs inside me and I remember being escorted to this stupid community.

The Keepers gave me money to rent a place to live for a week and left. A kind old man approached me when they left and offered to give me more money. I accepted his offer and while my hand was still reaching out to accept the money he grabbed the money I was already holding. Even though he looked like he was 70, he outran me. I had to sleep under the steps of the orphanage that night. That was long ago. I eventually start to daydream.

In 5 hours I will be at school just like everyone else under 20 years of age. Also, like anyone over 7, I have a job. My job permits me to rent my container. If I get a raise or I am able to work more hours, I can afford a larger container made of wood that some refer to as houses. Nothing says 'I can survive' like updating your living quarters.

Our work conditions are harsh. If we make a mistake at work the entire factory is punished. A mistake could cost us our job or our pay for the day.If the problem is severe enough, the factory could be destroyed and its workers all disappear. The dilapidated buildings and crumbling remains serve as dark reminders of just how disposable we are. That's also why most people try to get jobs at stores or markets, things just for people in the Block, because people in the Block can't afford to be picky. Even my best friend Coral works at the soup house. She hates her job, but she can afford a container.

Before I knew it, the late night shift whistle tooted. I sprint to my container. We have only ten minutes to get to our container until we are breaking curfew. I'm only 0.81 miles away.

I pass deliberately through the market as they are packing up for the night. I swipe a loaf of bread from a table and stuff it up my shirt. It's still warm. While backs are turned I manage two apples, an overdone hotdog and the loaf of bread. The apples over my breast, the loaf of bread up my shirt and the plain hot dog in my mouth. I eat as I run at top speed to my container.

Burnt hot dogs are cheap, so nobody would doubt it if I claimed to have bought it. Nobody would comment on the bulges either, and if they saw the apples they wouldn't dare grab for them, not with all of the Keepers around. Even if they pull out an apple, there is a good chance they would touch me, and that kind of stuff is zero tolerance.

Last time someone accused me of stealing and stuffing it under my shirt it was a bread bowl, and I claimed to have been pregnant, and then started crying, sobbing sappy stuff. It was very realistic and it earned me a bowl of hot soup from a sympathetic woman. The man who accused me didn't back off, it was time to bring out the big guns.

"Why? Why would he leave me?" I wailed, and the nearby Keepers had glanced our way. As soon as one started to walk towards us I slumped to my knees, and the man shushed me away to avoid the Keepers attention, which worked and they resumed their posts. Nobody wants their attention.They watch for thieves, and the market is a goldmine. Chances are, everyone there has stolen something.

Lucky for me, I mastered that skill long ago. My next step in that act would have been to find a way to spill water on myself and say the baby was coming and they would let me leave, they're heartless enough to let a pregnant teenager fend for herself before giving birth, as long as the Keepers don't care. Even I have to think that's a little harsh. Luckily, it didn't come to that this time.

As soon as I'm far enough away from the market, I sprint for my container. They act as if running is a crime, so it's best to casually walk around the Keepers. If they stop me, I'll be late for sure.