I landed the cashier job, and now I'm on my fifth day. I have to admit, the experience has been quite overwhelming.
Although I considered resigning, I really needed to keep myself occupied for the time being.
I force myself to greet every customer with a smile, even when I don't feel like it. It can be quite disheartening to handle rude customers from time to time.
One hectic Saturday afternoon, I was stationed at the cosmetics counter during a peak rush. A long queue had formed, and I was scanning items as quickly as I could. A visibly irritated woman approached me.
"Ugh, I've been waiting in line for 20 minutes!" she exclaimed. "You're so slow!"
I offered my apologies and assured her that I was doing my best. However, she continued to voice her complaints and put me down, leaving me feeling small and embarrassed.
As I wrapped up scanning the items for the woman, it hit me that I had neglected to apply her discount. Her anger erupted, and she insisted on speaking to my manager, even threatening to lodge a complaint against me.
My heart raced, and I could feel my hands trembling as she demanded to see my supervisor. I struggled to maintain my professionalism, but her outburst left me feeling utterly embarrassed and disheartened.
Once she stormed off, I took several deep breaths to regain my composure. Still, the encounter lingered in my mind, filling me with anxiety and stress for the remainder of my shift as I braced myself for the next challenging customer.
When I clocked out and made my way home, frustration and a sense of being undervalued washed over me. I questioned how much longer I could endure this and if it was worth it to stay in a role that seemed to weigh heavy on my mental and emotional state. Ugh! Why does that dreadful man have to bother me?
At least there's someone who makes my shifts worthwhile. Erith worked alongside me at the mall as a cleaner. We crossed paths on my first day, and ever since, we've become fast friends, despite being in such different departments.
I leaned my head against the counter, waiting for the next customer to approach.
A disheveled man staggered towards me. Likely in his forties, he appeared quite intoxicated, clutching a pack of alcohol cans. Fantastic, just what I need-more stress on my plate. Seriously, buying alcohol while drunk should be against the law, right?!
He slammed the pack down on the counter, and I hurriedly grabbed it to scan.
Just then, someone entered the mall, drawing everyone's attention, while I focused on managing the situation with the drunken customer and the growing line forming in front of me.
"I need to speak with you," a voice announced, icy and authoritative.
Talk? What the heck!? People are really on edge these days.
That voice sounds familiar!
I glanced up to see who it was. It's him-the sinister figure who destroyed my life and left me in this situation. I had a strong urge to confront him about the havoc he wreaked, but something restrained me. It was something small yet heavy-a feeling of fear.
How could I let him intimidate me?! He appeared annoyed by the people surrounding him, particularly a drunken man at his side.
"Excuse me, sir. This is a line; please wait your turn!" the drunk shouted at him, clearly oblivious to the man next to him.
Ignorance.
With a swift motion, he pulled out some cash and handed it to the drunk. "Clean yourself up." The drunk shook his head and retreated slowly.
Just like that.
He then checked his expensive wristwatch. "Five more minutes until your shift ends. Meet me outside when you're finished." With that, he strode out of the mall.
Ugh! This is so wild!
*****
I glanced at myself in the mirror.
Why do I always end up looking so odd on significant days? I couldn't help but notice my oversized shirt and sweatpants.
How can I possibly appear intimidating like this?
Without hesitation, I left the mall.
The cool breeze welcomed me.
Ah, this feels refreshing!
If only I had the freedom of a bird.
I quickly noticed a black car at the corner of the street, almost as if it was beckoning me.
I can't run, can I?
This guy is definitely dangerous. How did he even know where I work? He seemed to know exactly when my shift ended.
He's such a creep!
I honestly don't think I could outpace him.
If I try to bolt, I might end up dead, but staying here could lead to the same outcome.
Not running seems to offer the best chance of survival.
Just as I was about to approach the car, a man in a suit suddenly appeared right in front of me.
"Ma'am, this way. My master is waiting for you," he said, gesturing in a direction, and I found myself following him.
The scent of cigarette smoke assaulted my senses, causing my stomach to twist in displeasure.
He leaned against a wall that led to a vacant alley, heavily smoking.
Alright, I can handle this!
I'm courageous!
Gosh! There's truly no way out; I might as well admit I'm trapped.
As the stench of smoke intensified, I coughed.
He glanced at me, then turned his gaze toward the man who had accompanied me.
That man immediately bowed and exited.
My lungs!
I can hardly breathe!
I clutched my chest tightly, struggling to avoid collapsing under the weight of the smoke.
He raised his left eyebrow, looking at me with a hint of disdain.
Taking one final puff from his cigarette, he flicked it to the ground and extinguished it with his polished dark shoes.
I waved my hands in an effort to disperse the smoke as he exhaled.
My chest ached terribly.
He stepped closer, maintaining a few inches of distance.
"I'll get right to the point. Why did you turn down my offer?" He fixed his gaze on me.
I stood tall. "That wasn't an offer. You simply took my job away. There's no way I'd work for you!"
He smirked slightly. "So you'd choose that terrible place over working with me?" he asked calmly.
"Absolutely. I'd rather be there than serve a man as sinister as you!." Oops! I might have said too much. It's official, I'm in trouble! I just wish I could've enjoyed myself a bit more.
His grin broadened. "And do you have any evidence to back up those words, little de?"
I looked down, aware that what he said was, regrettably, true. I had judged him without any real proof aside from the fact that he had ruined my job.
Yet, even a blind person could see the malice etched on his face.
He leaned in closer to meet my eyes again. "You see, little de, this is the final time I'll offer you this job graciously. If you decline, you'll only be confirming that my next actions are justified!."
"I still won't budge!" I exclaimed, squeezing my hands tightly together. He may have looked fierce, but surely he wouldn't pose any real threat, right?
"Very well then. Until next time," he replied as he walked past me.
Phew! I escaped unscathed!
I watched the black car drive away; as soon as it vanished from sight, the intense heartbeat in my chest eased. His presence had certainly made an impression on me. Wow!
Once I got home, I treated myself to a hot bath, changed into my pajamas, and headed to the kitchen.
Since I hadn't eaten all day, I prepared spaghetti and meatballs. Settling onto the couch, I switched on the TV, ready to enjoy my favorite show while savoring a bowl of spaghetti.
Ah, this is delightful!