Internet 24

With both of our meals finished, I ordered some shakes for us. A sweet treat for what I am expecting to be some salty words. Why do I think that? She never reacted with malice? She only spoke sternly when It was about work, but here I am waiting for the worst.

MARGET

Look, I get it. You've been working out.

So you're strong, but that's now what

you are best at. Thats your head.

RYE

Like my hair?

MARGRET

No, that's dry. You need a product for that.

Let me put it this way. How do you manage

this place? You think it out. Do you ever

second-guess yourself?

RYE

Every. Waking. Minute.

MARGRET

Yet you get the job done.

There is no problem in trying and falling a lot;

that's how we learn. There is no problem with thinking

out something before you decide as long

as you make the move.

RYE

So I should think about it more?

MARGET

Yeah, but make sure you are learning from them

and making your moves. Just like you do here.

Something is unavoidable. You strive to better yourself,

but the system makes your life harder.

It punishes you for doing better or attempting to.

The fact is that the only way we can get

through this is by pushing ourselves further.

We are forced to make a cruel choice

as the powers that be that can change

the rules don't, as it benefits them.

Her words stayed with me. Margret still visits the White Castle and trains me to take over running her franchise business as co-owner. I tried to learn more every time I returned to the Missing Aisle. I kept repeating it. Embedding its movements to memory, trying a multitude of combinations of items.

My debt ballooned to a size where the numbers felt imaginary. I walk into Silver Steves and head to the aisle where Kurt awaits me. I am wearing my fanny pack, and once we are separated from what Kurt calls the "online" world, I start taking items out of my fanny pack and set for the challenge.

KURT

How are you holding up.

RYE

Can't complain. I mean, I can, but I won't.

KURT

5 years.

RYE

5 years of looking at your face.

KURT

You love it.

I can tell he wants to ask me something. The question is basically dripping off his lip.

RYE

Go ahead, ask.

KURT

How are you holding up, for real?

You are the only person I know who

gets at it this long. By now, people would

have quit due to the size of the growing number or

fear the pain. A small handful would have made

it to the end, but they are exceptional cases.

RYE

Looks like you found yourself one of those exceptional cases

KURT

So is today finally the day you clear your debt.

I smile back at him as I stand up, fully dressed in my gear. Magic-infused clothing, weapons, and a variety of gadgets. I put on special I am covered in what can be claimed as a small fortune.

RYE

Today's the day.