Lucienne, Late Night Snack
My stomach rumbled, exacerbating my current situation. Disastrous times these were. Oh, what serious woes had befallen this poor, hard working member of society. Missing multiple meals just to pursue a task that had, yet again, ended fruitlessly. Not to mention that had been for a boss that didn’t recognize the work that was being done. What a waste. But, none of that business mattered now as my desperate search for sustenance was the only priority perched inside my mind. Only one place was still open at this hour and it was imperative that I reached it before closing time. My gaze firmly fixed on the windows along either side of the bus, my eyes darted back and forth searching for hope. Pain continuously dispatched from inside of my gut, but I remained vigilant. I thumbed at the rings around my neck and tugged at the collar of my favorite custom leather jacket; nervous habits, but they helped to remind me of my past, somewhat easing my discomfort. I prayed for the light to finally reach my eyes.
Several minutes of focused effort later and I finally got the answer to my desperate appeal in the form of a faint pink light. Without hesitation, my arm shot up and yanked on the stop cord. I was on my feet, eagerly awaiting the opening of the sliding doors before the bus had even pulled over to stop. The emptiness inside growing, I took flight as soon as the double doors opened. Into the cool dark of the night, I strode at an unnaturally swift pace as if propelled by a set of imaginary wings. The cold steel of my many accessories jangled softly in time with each step. Desperation grew with each successive one, drawn toward the distant light like a moth drawn to a flame. I couldn’t hold out much longer.
Almost there, I told myself.
One more block between me and salvation. As the harsh, pink neon light assaulted my pale skin, my hunger subsided for a moment. Scanning the insides of the diner before me, I found what would soon become my next meal. What, you ask, had this loyal laborer that had toiled away relentlessly for days been rewarded with?
What tasty morsel would finally abate my ravenous hunger? Eyes twinkling in the dark, I singled out a lone individual comfortably lounged in a corner booth and tucked away from the rest of the establishment's occupants. He was a little bit skinny for my taste, but hey… beggars can't be choosers and so… I affixed the brightest smile from my collection and exited the night.
