—See you tomorrow.I let out with exasperation as I closed the gate.
Fortunately, another day had come to an end and after enduring the bad attitude of customers who expect a good attitude from an underpaid employee, I could go home.
—Damn shitty job, at this rate I'll spend more on psychologists than on rent…—I let out a long sigh as I started toward the station.
The yellowish, flickering lights barely illuminated this side of the godforsaken part of the city. If I left any later, I would surely be easy prey for some mugger; someone shapeless and perpetually tired like me wouldn't be able to defend himself for even five seconds.
"Eh, that's a very good reason why I always leave work on time."
Although this has made my bosses always see me as "the least committed employee," the truth is that I cared little or nothing about their opinions.
Those dead-end jobs only served to make it to the end of the month; at this point losing the job would be more of a blessing than a curse. The situation isn't easy when you're a college dropout, and every job with more than four digits comes with the tagline "we're looking for someone with experience," yet no one deigns to give you that experience.
I had already gotten used to receiving rejection emails once or twice a week; that's how my life has been for the past two years, and while I kept sending portfolios of independent projects hoping some company would take pity on my lack of a license, I would have to keep putting up with this routine.
In the middle of the crossing before the station my phone began to vibrate.
Tiredly I took the call, praying it wasn't my boss asking me to come back for some stupidity like the last three times, but to my fortune I was greeted by an energetic and beautiful voice that brightens my days.
—Tris! —my beloved exclaimed on the other end of the phone—. I did it, Tris! —she shouted, with a contagious happiness that dispelled any sorrow from my body—. I finally have my license!
I couldn't help but smile for my beloved.
—I know, I know… I'm very proud, Ale! —I replied—. That's why tonight, sushi. The one that always makes us suffer and enjoy in equal measure because of how expensive and delicious it is.
Ale laughed. I couldn't help feeling a small twinge of envy, but the good kind.
I had accompanied her through the entire process: the rejection from medical school on her first attempt, the constant sleepless nights to pass her exams, or the endless shifts of more than 30 hours… if anyone deserved this joy, it was without a doubt her.
—Perfect. Besides… —she held a moment of suspense that made me stop walking— I also have something to celebrate with you…
My breathing hitched; I could feel my heart racing and clumsily I could only answer with a:
—Yes?
—Your dream came true, Tris!… Kodenima accepted you. You're going to develop video games, love!
I almost dropped the phone from the shock.
Before me, the dark path ahead lit up like never before; it was as if a dense dark fog that had shaded my days suddenly decided to dissipate. The physical and emotional exhaustion, the poorly paid jobs and ungrateful bosses had been worth it.
I couldn't help but hop excitedly in the middle of the station, ignoring the critical stares of the other passengers. Trying to contain a shout of excitement I replied to Ale, who remained expectant.
—I can't believe it. Tonight, sushi, and tomorrow… a new world, love.
—Exactly —she said playfully—. See you at eight, Tris.
—Of course, I love you…
—And I love you.
Without more, I hung up the call, putting the phone back into the front pocket of my hoodie. For the first time in years I could breathe in peace. At last the world gave me a moment of genuine peace. After so many months in low-paying jobs, I could finally take a step closer to my dream.
Quickly I thought of that man who had accompanied me so much through the process, who never doubted me and pushed me to pursue my goals. I took out my phone again; the call screen simply said "Old Man."
"I think I should have changed that contact name a long time ago, right?"
….
The world flipped upside down out of nowhere; everything seemed in slow motion before me.
—Watch out!
I heard someone say. My body didn't react; for some reason, I was in midair.
I could see him… a homeless man, no more than a drunk.
Did he trip into me?
He and his bottles sprawled across the ground even before the train made its first whistle.
People were terrified; the screams were barely silenced by the metallic crackling of the rails.
I saw them, I swear I saw them: the lights that finally crashed into me.
In a final moment, with my last thoughts I only exclaimed:
"Damn gods! Damn all of you for ruining me right now!"
Everything turned black…
There were no more screams…
No more disgusting stench of the subway…
There was simply nothing anymore…