Day number 8395 of being here, and everything is starting to become too repetitive. The reality of adulthood is far different to the expectations most of us had when we were children. You wake up, go to work, see your friends, eat throughout the day, and sleep. Then you repeat your routine the next day when you wake up.
You become used to it. Comfortable, even. Or maybe you're just on autopilot, barely processing everything that's going on around you.
Eventually, that routine of yours will come to an end. With an unexpected visitor intruding your life, your personal space, and even your thoughts, you're forced to confront the things in life that you've been trying to ignore for as long as you could remember.
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Transcript under the cut.
Thomas: You doing anything tonight,boss?
Sorya: Nah. I gotta be up early tomorrow, got a few early appointments booked in.
Thomas: That's a shame... Was hoping you'd go out with us after this shift.
Sorya: Oh yeah? Where are you guys heading off to?
Thomas: The Wave. There's an even going on there.
Sorya: The Freshers Opening Party?
Thomas: I think so. Can't remember what it was called, but it's supposed to be really good.
Juliana: It's got a decent line-up, actually!
Thomas: You sure you're not gonna come?
Sorya: I'll pass.
Juliana: Boring~
Sorya: Shut it, you.
Juliana laughs.
Sorya: So what about you, Sam? You got anything planned?
Sam: Uh, not really. Might catch up on some shows, maybe.
Isaac, internally: I wonder if there's anything interesting going on today...
-
[Distant chatter]
Woman: Uhm, excuse me. You can't smoke here.
Isaac: I don't care.
Woman: I'm sorry?
Isaac: Apology accepted.
Woman: [Scoff] You might want to learn some manners, young man. That attitude of yours is disgusting!
Isaac: Your face is disgusting.
Woman: Right. I'm calling the police!
Isaac: Call them. See if I care.
Isaac: Pathetic.
--
Sorya: Hey, Tom, I don't suppose you know anything about Isaac Osario, do you?
Thomas: Why? He's not been giving you any trouble, is he?
Sorya: No, nothing like that. Just heard someone mention him, that's all.
Thomas: Oh, another rumour going around about him then? [Clicks tongue] Either way, he's not really someone you want to mess with. He's pretty ruthless.
Sorya: What do you mean?
Thomas: You really don't know, do you?
Sorya: Tell me.
Thomas: Okay... So you probably at least know about the whole theft stuff, right?
Sorya: Mhm...
Thomas: But he's pretty ruthless on the streets too, he'll fight anyone, and he doesn't care how badly he gets hurt as well.
Sorya: Jeez...
Thomas: Hey, did you hear about the guy who got stabbed in the neck just outside Gosford Street?
Sorya: Yeah?
Thomas: People are saying that it was Isaac who stabbed the guy.
Sorya: Why would he do that?
Thomas: No idea! I don't even know if it actually was him. It's all rumours for now.
Sorya: Well, do you believe in those rumours?
Thomas: Honestly, no. Like yeah, he's a violent shit with anger issues, but I don't think he's the type that would actually stab someone, y'know?
Sorya: Yeah, that's fair enough. How old is he anyway?
Thomas: Not sure. Probably around our age, maybe slightly younger?
Sorya: Hmm...
Thomas: Hey, are you sure he hasn't done anything?
Sorya: I'm certain. I think I saw him once the other day. He's got black hair with blue in the front, right?
Thomas: Yeah, that's him. Always seen in baggy clothes too, huh?
Sorya: Yeah... It's just- he looked young, so I was just wondering.
Thomas: Wondering about what?
Sorya: Does he not have any family, or someone close to him at least...? Surely, they wouldn't let him go around doing stuff like that?
Thomas: I don't think he does, to be honest. Even if he did, I don't think they'd want to know, cos I sure as hell wouldn't.
Sorya: Hmm...
Thomas: They've probably all given up on him at this point.
Sorya: You think so?
Thomas: Yeah, the guy's proper gone off the rails, he's probably too far gone at this point. And to be fair, there's probably not much that we can do. So I wouldn't bother trying to help him at this point. He's a lost cause.
-
Sorya: So how did that night at The Wave go?
Thomas: Oh my God, you would not believe what had happened!
Sorya: How are you holding up? Are you doing okay?
Juliana: Yeah! Honestly, it's not painful at all. It feels relaxing if anything.
Sorya: Okay, great! Just let me know if you need a break at any point.
Juliana: Yes, boss.
Sorya: [Snort] It feels weird having you call me that outside of work.
[Tattoo machine noises]
Juliana: Oh my God, did I tell you about this weird customer we had come in last night?
Sorya: I don't think you did! What happened?
Juliana: So this guy came in, acting all high and mighty and stuff-
Sorya: [Scoff] Typical.
Juliana: Pfft, yeah. But for some reason he would not shut up about his sex life.
Sorya: Oh God...
[Chattering]
Juliana: So Rahul was serving him- poor fucker, and out of nowhere he brings up that Isaac Osario dude.
Sorya: What did he say?
Juliana: I can't remember all of it, but if I remember correctly, he was talking about how he was going to fuck him up, and make him his bitch or something. I don't know...
Sorya: Oh...
Sorya: Huh, it'd be interesting to see how that would go. I heard Isaac's pretty brutal on the streets.
Juliana: Oh he is! I've seen him fight; he's not someone you want to mess with.
Sorya: So I've been told...
Juliana: Told?
Sorya: Yeah. I asked Tom about him the other day- only out of curiosity, and he pretty much filled me in.
Thomas: Hey, can I ask you something before I forget?
Sorya: Yeah, sure. What's up?
Thomas: I'm thinking of going up to Carlisle in mid October to surprise my Mum, and I just wanted to ask if I'm good to book some time off to do so?
Sorya: I don't see why not? It's been a while since you've last seen your family. How is she, anyway?
Thomas: She's doing okay! She's got a bit more movement in her left leg, now.
Sorya: That's great! I'm glad to hear she's doing better. Put the request through online, and I'll check with Dan.
Thomas: Thank you!
Thomas: My Mum asked about you, you know?
Sorya: Really?
Thomas: Yeah. She mostly just asked how you were- she really wants to meet you.
Sorya: We're gonna have to arrange something, then.
Thomas: Yeah. She'd like that. She really likes you.
Sorya: I see you've been saying nice things about me, then.
Thomas: Well, it's not like I have anything bad to say about you.
Sorya: I find that hard to believe, Tommy.
Thomas: Okay fine, next time I'll tell her about how you're a workaholic who doesn't know when to take a break, and that you have weird eating habits.
Sorya: Leave my eating habits out of this!
Thomas: [Laughs] But seriously, though. You're the only person I know who eats food in a certain order based on the least liked to the most liked food.
Sorya: Is that not normal? I swear everyone does it! Even Isa- my old housemate, Isaiah does it. Maybe you're the one with the weird eating habits.
Thomas: Whatever you say, weirdo.
Sorya: [Laughs]
Thomas: But seriously, though. I'd like you to meet my family one day, I think you'd get along really well.
Sorya: I'd like that, man. You'll have to be my tour guide and shit- show me around Carlisle.
Thomas: I could show you the Lake District, also.
Sorya: For real? I've always wanted to go there at least once.
Thomas: Looks like you've got some holiday requests that you'll have to put through, also.
Sorya: Right.
[Car drives by]
Thomas: Sorya?
Sorya: Yeah?
Thomas: You still down for the gym tomorrow?
Sorya: Fuck yeah, bro. Just let me know what time and I'll be there.
Thomas: Great! Just... Be careful on your way back. We've had a bunch of shit happen up this road lately. Some older man got jumped by a group of lads the other day.
Sorya: Shit... I'll be careful.
Thomas: You sure? We can get you an Uber or something to get you home quicker.
Sorya: I'll be fine. Honestly. You know me, I can take care of myself.
Thomas: I know. I just worry sometimes.
Sorya: Trust me, I'll be okay.
Thomas: Okay, fine. Just message me when you get back, okay?
