Have you ever had the worst day of your life and then saw something irrelevant to get involved in on your way home? I have.

The clouds were warning me it was going to rain. I had just gotten off work and went out to dinner with my co-workers, seeing as they thought of our magazine as ‘successfully published’ even though we haven’t really been taken seriously by the media for the past couple 5 years since we started. I’ve been working here for over six months and none of my idea seems worth taking risk for, according to my boss, Mr. Fullbuster.

Maybe it’s because he thinks too highly of himself to lower down his pride and actually hear refreshing ideas from someone who had recently just graduated from college and lacks work experience. But whatever. Not like I can do anything about it other than complain and feel miserable being stuck at M.A.G.E., also known as MAgazine for General Entertainment.

Even our acronym is boring.

Mirajane, one of my closest friends at work (who I still can’t bring myself to trust enough to share my secret insecurities to), treated me out with coffee and home-baked goodies from her brother’s bakery, Elfman. Don’t ask me why they named it that way because I don’t know what to tell you. Anyway, she claims she’d seen herself in me. Saying she was this down when she got her very first job and how expectant she was about achieving her dreams and goals to be a graphic designer.

          “M.A.G.E. was never part of my plan.” I said, removing the lid from my cup of coffee. “I want to work in a publishing agency, one that works on novels and comics, not. . .magazines.” I bit my tongue for that. Avoid telling unnecessary information about my comments regarding Mr. Fullbuster’s company, they warned. I could be sued especially when I’m in public.

          “Fortunately, you have me to guide you, so,” she held her cup in the air, pretending it’s a glass of wine. “Cheers.”

Before making home, I came across the public library I haven’t really noticed before. It was small and quaint and it doesn't look like it’s been around that long and yet it's already falling apart, judging from the unsigned readers book and the dusty old shelves with the creaky floorboards as I made my way in. The librarian was soft-spoken, with the typical reading glasses and politeness you'd expect for someone who works as one.

          “How may I help you today?” she approached, rushing out of her booth.

          “Which is your most recent published book?” I haven’t read a book since I started at M.A.G.E. given the fact it consumes all of my time. Mr. Fullbuster would sometimes even call me over the phone in the middle of the night, demanding I come to work early and write a piece I (most of the time) hadn't heard of or written about before. Sure, it gets the adrenaline running and it somehow ‘helps’ me improve my scope as a writer, but lack of sleep and dehydration is not the way to go.

          “I’m afraid these books are rather old. Mostly classical. Little Women, Virginia Woolf, er, Nancy Drew..,” and the list goes on.

I'm more interested in reading light novels nowadays since deep controversial issues had been my prioritized topics for the past few months. Reading should be a relaxing, enjoyable time for me right now.

          “How about light Romance novels?”

          “Ooh, Romeo and Juliet, perhaps? Or Pyramus and Thisbe? They're quite similar.”

          “Anything ranging from 2010 to now?”

          “Oh, dear,” she clears her throat, fixing the bun she tries so hard to hold on. She can't even bring herself to fix her hair first to get comfortable and instead prioritized her customer's favor. “May I suggest?”

          “Sure.” That's what I came here for.

          “Stephen King’s books. You look like you've had enough Romance.”

          “No, but I—”

          “I’ll go fetch a paper bag to help you on your way. A little jumpscare never hurt anyone.” She lifted a finger and then turned around to get something from the staff room across from me.

For a librarian, she doesn’t read people well. I guess it wouldn't be all that bad if I read King’s books.

Moments later, the old woman came back, grabbing the thickest copy of his book from the shelf. And another book from a different author, who I can't even read from the first turn of the page. The ink has long faded from the wet area.

          “Feel free to return them whenever! I won’t mind.” The old lady smiles triumphantly as she led me out the door. “You enjoy yourself now.”

As soon as I had opened the door that led outside, I regretted not taking a rain check. Guess what, Lucy? It rained. I’m now soggy and the paper bag she provided me with the books inside are almost ripped, I even dropped them to the ground. I had to use my expensive leather bag to put them all in. When I turned to see if the library was still open, it wasn't. The old lady turned it over closed. The books—I don’t think I’ll be returning them any sooner. Not like this. I wrapped them around the coat I was wearing before placing them inside my bag.

Here I was, walking under the rain. It felt right. It’s not like this day could've gotten any worse.

My phone rang out of the blue. It was in my pocket all this time. I carefully ran over to the alleyway that had a roof, projecting a dry area under it. I answered the call, it was my boss.

          “Hello?”

          “Ms. Heartfilia, you’re on call today. Return to the office immediately.” He warned. He doesn't sound good. And by that, I mean, he’s definitely mad and disappointed about someone slacking at the company at this hour. Mr. Fullbuster usually calls me when another screws up. Oh. I guess he does trust me.

          “But it's raining and I have to, uhm, get a change of clothes first.”

          “Whatever makes you comfortable. Just hurry and get your ass over here this instant.” And with that, he hangs up on me before I could say anything. Forget about whether he trusts me or not. He’s still an asshole for treating his co-workers this way.

Splat!

Someone was behind me. The raindrop sounded different. Slowly, I turned, letting my peripheral lead the way. Sure enough, there it was. An unconscious man in his arms. A man was buried into his neck. The man being bitten into hadn't said a word in a while. I swallowed. I have to get out of here.

Ring! Ring!

Mr. Fullbuster has impeccable timing, indeed. Wait a minute, answering a phone while you're witnessing a crime, it should be safer, right? I probably wouldn't have to be involved. I was turning around when I felt a heave of breath against my neck. Chills went down my spine from how creepy it felt. I had to run away. And when I was going to face it, I had answered my call using my bag as a shield.

             “I—I have a weapon–!” I claimed, “and, and I’m not afraid to use it! I’m calling the police on you for what you did.”

My eyes open to reveal that the strange man had disappeared. Nowhere in sight. Despite how frightened I still was, I decided to tiptoe my way back to that alleyway. The other man, the victim, was gone, as well.

           “What the hell did you just say...? Are you threatening me right now?!”

I had forgotten my phone call with my boss and ran towards my house. But I stopped. It wouldn't be right. The crook could still be in sight and for all I know, he could be following me. So I turned the other way, pretending I’m used to that road. Going back to work in this weather and state may be the last thing my boss would expect from me, but I have no choice. I have to tell my superior about this or else..!

🦇

note

am bringing this old story
of mine back since a lot are
requesting for it! the story
may be a little different from
its original, though. anyways,
hope you still enjoy reading this!

🖤