Antoine's Curious Collection of Arbitrary Short Stories

Desperate Times

I should be happy. I mean, I got a job now. Let's be honest, I got this one out of luck. Just operating a stupid jukebox and you'll get a buck? "Come on!" I tell myself as i contemplate to get up from bed for my first day of work. I stare at the ceiling as I tried to make up my mind. Patches of rotten wood stared back at me, reminding me of what kind of social status I'm living in. Aight, I need to get up for work.

As I walk to go to work, I notice how the wind swooshes at me. I don't remember the weather to be this windy. I know, I've read the newspaper days ago and I'm pretty sure that it said that it'll be sunny until the end of the week. I groaned as a wrapper of some burger hit my face, blocking my vision. These people have the money to spend for food like these but don't have a slightest shit to throw it to the proper place. I took the wrapper off and continue walking. I was sure that there's no rock or something that can trip me but fuck i just fell on my knees! Stupid shit!

Who the fuck would leave a fucking deodorant in the fucking street? I groaned and stayed at my position unable to move. Just as I thought that my misery already ended, a group of kids fucking run to me knocking my shin. What in the world? "I'm sorry Mister, we didn't see you were there," said the kid and continued to run. What?

I don't know how long it took me to reached the place but what matters is I'm already here. "Good morning Mr. Jake," I greeted my boss as i step inside the place. Mr. Jake didn't bother to bat an eye since he was busy clinking his glass of whiskey. I changed to my uniform and go to my designated area. I sat on a small rounded chair beside the jukebox. Even though it's still far from the night, a lot of customers are already drinking off. I didn't know that this place has a lot of customers. I was amazed not only by their numbers but also to their way of dress. It's like they came from different era and was brought together to enjoy their selves.

"Hi," I was startled from my thoughts when a little girl approached me.

"Good morning Milady. What song could I offer you?" I stuttered reciting my lines.

"I didn't come here for music, i came here for you," said the girl. She seems around the age of 9.

"What is it, young lady?" I ask still sticking to my role.

"My mother said that you're the new guy. She said to me that I should warn you," she said while pointing at what I assumed is her mother.

"My mom's sorry for my grandpa not orienting you, so my mom let me instead." She clears.

"About the jukebox? It's fine, we had this one back when i was a kid. My father taught me how to use it," I tell the kid so she can stop worrying.

"You don't get it do you," She whispered.

"Those people around you" she pointed the customers "they're not all real, so you have to guess one who's faking it and who's not. If you talk to the wrong person it will follow you so you have to be more mindful—"

"Wait, what are you talking about?" I break off.

"I'm sorry" was what she all said and as she ran to her mother. Wait, what is happening? I'm desperate for money i know but what the fuck? Can life play fair this time? Is this a joke? I laugh. Laugh at the thought that this kid is making a horrible joke and this might be true and i fucked up, again.

"Can you play a song for me," request the person behind me.

Tell me? Now, how should i know from a voice?