—Welcome— I greeted with the most enthusiastic voice I could pull from deep within me. That greeting carried the weight of more than 10 hours of continuous work. —How can I help you?—
—Good evening— he replied in a monotone voice; his appearance told me he was in a position similar to mine. —Aren't you a little young to be working at this hour?—
He was quite a bit older. He had raccoon-like dark circles around his brown eyes. His hair was black and long, tied in a ponytail purely for convenience. His beard was uneven, with patches on his cheeks. «He's probably been traveling for quite some time.»
His clothing, on the other hand, contrasted ridiculously with his physical appearance. He earned good money, there was no doubt about that. He wore a thick brown jacket for the cold over a buttoned black shirt. Long blue pants and brown shoes.
—I'm older than I look.—I evaded cleverly, though I couldn't help but add a small remark in response. —Shouldn't you avoid drinking if you're going to be traveling in a truck?—
He let out a snort. His gaze began to wander across the shelves, examining the items with nonexistent interest. Against my own nature and everything it represents, I considered for the first time starting a conversation with someone.
I didn't know what drove me to it, probably a mix of curiosity, exhaustion, and boredom. I desperately wanted time to pass faster and this might be the answer.
«Well, I've got half an hour left before my shift ends, maybe I can make time pass faster with a small conversation…»
I looked outside while thinking of a topic to bring up.
An enormous matte black truck waited silently—I wouldn't have been able to see it if it weren't bathed in the gas station's light, its huge headlights gleamed in the night and the metallic details stood out strongly—it was quite modern.
«I think I had heard about those trucks. Rebecca was quite excited about the refrigeration capacity in its compartments to transport medicine over long distances.»
And unconsciously, the need to talk to someone arose in me.
—Damn— I let out a whistle —What do I have to do to be able to drive one of those monsters?—My voice was loud enough to echo through the small store. From the back, a vague voice replied to me.
—Believe me, kid— he snorted while grabbing a bottle of alcohol and a black can with green details, it was an energy drink. —It may seem exciting at first, but after a few days you'll find it exhausting— he said as he approached the counter. Along the way, he had added several bags of chips.
—It's like getting a new toy you've been waiting for a long time. At first it's the best thing in the world, but after a week it's something that doesn't catch your attention anymore.—
—Sure— I replied with a skeptical look.
I took the items and began passing them one by one through the scanner.
—The Vodka costs $20, the energy drink $4, each bag of chips costs $2.97— I did a quick mental calculation; it was simple, but the exhaustion was taking its toll. In the end, I finished using the calculator under the client's attentive and astonished gaze. —That would be a total of $35.88. And don't look at me like that, I'm not at my best moment—
—No pressure, kid. I know firsthand the effect sleep has on performance— he replied.
His hand went to the pocket of his pants and emerged with a $100 bill.
I took the bill gratefully. The man's exhaustion hadn't put him in a bad mood, a behavior that many customers had been showing lately at any possible delay.
«You can't expect much either given the recent events plaguing the city.»
And as if my thoughts were predictive, the voice coming from the old television hanging on one side caught our attention.
The bill had remained halfway while we both turned to listen to the regular news update from Raccoon City.
"Good evening to all our viewers. I'm Jonas J, broadcasting from the RaCCON news station. Before beginning, I'd like to tell our listeners that Jennifer, my faithful companion who has been with me since the beginning of the program, is for the first time absent from the segment due to a sudden unknown intoxication; don't be alarmed, she will be out for a couple of days, but as soon as she recovers she will return normally." The newsman was quite old, with white hair from age combed backward, black glasses and many wrinkles. He wore a dark blue suit with a red tie.
—It seems he's not in the best condition— he said distractedly while leaning on the counter.
—What do you mean?— I asked out of curiosity; I had also noticed that.
—His forehead is covered in sweat, even with makeup, the drops slide as if he had a damp cloth on his forehead—
—Yes, he probably caught the same intoxication as his partner— I affirmed —I'm not surprised, lately there have been complaints about a strange taste in the water.—
—Raccoon City has seen better days…—
—It also surprises me everything that is happening… But what confuses me is something else.— He seemed more confident, at least that's what I could notice from his posture. —I'm not from very far away, so events like these should travel quickly. And despite the fact that everything started 2 months ago, I only find out when I was on my way here.—
«The disappearances haven't stopped. Day by day, the police department R.P.D receives multiple reports of people who disappear near the Arklay Mountains, the mountainous region northwest of the city. In response to the complaints of worried families and citizens, the chief of the Raccoon City police department expressed concern about the situation, but fiercely claimed that he would do everything possible so that the perpetrator, or perpetrators, are captured and face their crimes. Next, a statement from Brian Irons:
"—Within the next few days, the S.T.A.R team will enter the Arklay Mountains to unravel the mysteries it hides and track the possible culprit responsible for committing these acts. Don't be mistaken, many may feel dissatisfied with the results of the investigation, but it is not for lack of initiative; I emphasize once again, the S.T.A.R team and the officers of the R.P.D have always given everything to maintain order, however, the possibility that more than one individual is involved cannot be ruled out—".»
He paused for a moment to cough into a white handkerchief he hurriedly pulled from his chest pocket; previously immaculately folded, it ended up a crumpled mess. Then he proceeded to touch his forehead while drinking a little water.
His papers had remained on the table.
—Excuse me… May I know your name?— I asked insecurely. After talking for so long, not asking his name gave me an uncomfortable feeling.
—Lucas, Lucas Elvert—. He turned and took the change that had remained on the counter, took a few coins and put them in the tip jar. —It's not much, but I hope it helps you. May I know your name?— he asked.
—Of course, thank you very much. My name is Blake— I introduced myself. —Without a last name, I'm an orphan— I added, I didn't want him to think I didn't want to introduce myself.
—Wow, now I understand your situation a little better, kid…— he began awkwardly, probably remembering the comment he made when entering. —But I see that despite everything you're doing well, it shows that you have a promising future.—
—How do you know?— I asked.
—Well, not everyone who wants to progress would be willing to be working at this hour. Much less in this city, you know, with everything that's happening.—
—It's not easy, without a doubt…— I looked again at the television.
At some point during our conversation, the news program had ended. A strange message appeared on the screen, "Signal Lost, We Will Return Shortly."
—Yes, well— I began. —Actually it took all of us by surprise.— Then I remembered what he had said before. —So you're not from the city?—
—No, actually I'm from a small coastal town called Sunset Fish— he said —Yes, it's a curious name, but it's mostly based on the importance of fish in its origins.—
—Well, I don't have the right to criticize you. Raccoon City isn't a common name for a city.—
—So you work for Umbrella?—
—I wish, I heard they pay well— he sighed disappointedly. —Actually I have a one-month contract, they hired me to transport medicine in this truck to several company facilities. Today is the last day fortunately or unfortunately.—
—Fortunately?—
—Yes, it's a shame on the money side, believe me, it pays extremely well.— His gaze became melancholic and an involuntary smile formed on his dry lips. —But I've been traveling nonstop for a month, I miss my family. I would give my life for that unhealthy meat pie my wife cooks. It's funny, many times I complained while eating it and now I miss it more than anything.—
He took out his phone and showed me a picture. In it, there was a completely different version of the man standing in front of me. Well dressed and smiling, without exhaustion or dark circles. He looked like the happiest man in the world.
Hugging the man was a woman with brown hair, green eyes and freckles on her nose.
She smiled awkwardly, but her blush revealed her happiness.
—I'm lucky, right?— he asked sarcastically. The exhaustion and coldness seemed to have disappeared.
—I must admit it. I have no idea how you managed to catch such a beautiful woman.—
—I have my charms. But don't be surprised if you don't find them, only someone like her is capable of seeing the good in people. After all, she was able to find the good in someone as gloomy as me.— He stretched a little while smiling. —Do you have someone like that?—
—I'm 16 years old… Not enough time has passed to find someone like that.— I said while straightening up, a behavior I copied from the man on the other side of the counter. I'm surprised that I could grow comfortable so quickly with someone I just met. —I also can't allow myself the time to meet someone, I have too many responsibilities.— Unconsciously I let a trace of bitterness slip into my tone; my mind had gone to the 2 people silently fighting to occupy my heart.
—Come on, you're a teenager. Love is your thing, you know, hormones and those things. Prom dances and prom kings—
—It's just that… Haven't you ever felt that she is out of your reach?— I asked, but I didn't wait for an answer. —It's like we're in two different worlds. She is intelligent, hardworking, popular and with a bright future. Meanwhile I'm here, with bad grades, on the verge of expulsion. Working at a gas station, talking about love with a man I just met.— I passed my hands over my face.
—Well, this old man has a good piece of advice for you.—
—And that advice is?…—
—Strive to reach her not through merits, you don't seem like a genius, but I see that you're responsible. Try to understand them, genius people are often overwhelmed by their own capabilities, they demand too much from themselves, both them and others. And they end up losing themselves, this is where the love you feel for her becomes fundamental, even if you don't end up with her, try to make sure she is happy living as she chooses, even if it is with you or without you in her life.—
—And how will that help me conquer her?—
—Little fool, love is not conquered, it is formed. You must never force it. Of course, you can strive to make her fall in love, but in the end one does not control the result. Everything arises from the other person, she may love you as you love her or not, maybe she will settle for friendship. And when the moment comes, accept it like a man. Be happy for her, don't stop your life because of a failed crush. I was lucky, but I think I would have been satisfied seeing her happy, even if it wasn't by my side.—
—Anyway, you're young, don't rush.—
—Wow… Thanks, it's… a good way to see it.— I stopped for a moment to organize my thoughts. —I had never thought about it that way, I didn't expect advice like that to come from a guy like you.—
—Kids these days…— he grumbled with humor.
—I must admit it, you're not the bitter man I thought you were when you crossed that door…—
—And you're not the depressed delinquent I thought you were…—
I looked at the television to check the time. There were 5 minutes left before my shift ended, so it was time to turn off the lights to close the gas station.
The program had not started again.
—Well, Lucas, it was a pleasure meeting you. But it's about time to go back home— I got up from the counter and offered him my hand.—
He took it gladly. —The pleasure was mine, I'm sorry for entertaining you for so long, but at least time passed faster for you.—
—Don't worry, it's nice to talk with someone— I shook my head. —Not everyone who comes late at night turns out to be so pleasant.—
We both said goodbye, he wished me luck and I did the same. I am aware that I am not the most sociable or pleasant person, but I liked the man, I hoped he would finish his job without complications to return home.
«He is quite a romantic man, despite everything his appearance says. And he has given me a lot to think about… I wonder… Would there be any possibility that Rebecca Chambers would notice someone like me? And if she isn't the right one, but instead it is…?»
The sound of my phone pulled me out of my thoughts. I didn't take it immediately, instead I waited to close the shop to take out my phone.
«Wow, speak of the devil… I'm surprised you're texting me, Shannon, let's see what you need.»
A greenish flash emerging from the sky reflected my figure in the glass of the door, my hand had frozen while it approached to open the message.
A few seconds of unsettling normality passed; the flash had slipped out of his peripheral vision almost instantly.
Then came the thunderous roar.