The clerk at the employment agency studied their applications, fingers tapping against the counter as she thought. "Well," she said, "you didn't finish college, Brando, but you could work at a hotel as front personnel… or maybe as a tour guide."
Brando's eyes lit up. "We'll take it!"
The clerk hesitated, glancing at Alvin. "But I think you're the only one fit for those positions. Alvin here… maybe a room boy, or a merchandiser in a department store."
Alvin shifted uncomfortably. Brando leaned toward him, lowering his voice. "I want to work with you. That way, I won't get bored."
"But she's offering you a better job than mine," Alvin said.
"That's okay. It doesn't matter to me. The important thing is that we both have jobs. We came all this way together—let's start in the same place, for now."
Alvin frowned. "You sure?"
"Yeah, I'm sure." Brando smiled, trying to make it sound final.
