My ID shows that I'm 23, though my nerves immediately make me feel like I'm six years old.
“ Yeah...that works for me. I just really need the money...and I'm a h-hard worker. I promise... ”
+Philip considers it and nods to himself thoughtfully before speaking.
"Is if alright if for now I let you be a part-timer and we'll see if you can stay? I'd be able to send a reccomendation for you at some more investigation oriented offices, and associations too if you do."
I take a step out into the world, and I'm back where it all begins.
Pain, an express shot of white hot iron through my arms and feet.
The seat is stained with fear, reeking of ammonia.
I wish I could wake up, but it comes slowly.
Like everything in my life. Slow.
Money is money, I guess.
“ Thanks. ”
I look at him again, shaking like a leaf.
It's not the end of the world to ask, right...?
“ ...does...your agency need someone like m-me...? ”
Carefully, I pull out my ID. I made it myself.
“ I'm...a forensic photographer... ”
"Ah well.. I have a body if that counts?"
Whats a Xeraphim? Is that slang for Ahn- whatever. His expression seemed confused at first before he pays up with some momey that looks to be of notably foreign currency.
I pretend to know what he's talking about. It's less awkward that way.
“ Oh, c-cool... ”
Taking out my bag, I open it up.
“ M...my payment, please...? Sorry, I am hurting for cash. Pretty bad. ”
Am I guilt tripping him...? God, I'm such a monster. ⤵
+
"We mostly do combat oriented johs, but dabble in peace keeping and case solving jobs so if you need anything done dont be afraid to call the number, or email us, or come straight to the adrress."
“ Office, huh-? ”
I let my camera rest against my chest, hanging from my lanyard.
“ What...do you do-? ”
Please don't be sugar. I've had enough of ants.
“ If you don't...mind me asking...? ”
"Ah thats good then. You seemed a little nervous is all, I can get the feeling."
He formed a small smile to make things less awkward before shifting his glasses and continuing.
"I just need these for something at the office. Its not a big deal."
He looks like a washed up CEO. It makes my palm itch.
Aristocrat. Morgellons, maybe...I should sanitize after this.
But he seems nice. Probably wants to-
No. That's dumb.
He's paying me. Why would he...-?
I feel a cold prickle shoot down my spine.
It's like a bat bit down on my spinal cord and pulled it out.
“ U-uhm...yeah, I'm f-fine. ”
My camera spits out the photos. I give them a shake and hand them to him, hand shaking.
“ What...are these for? ” ⤵
+
He notices the other's expression as his pictures were nearly finished and spoke.
"Uhm- are.. you alright?" He asks with a slight concern in his hushed, and shy voice.
Why did they hire me...?
I'm a nobody.
I hold up the camera, capturing the 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍's smile with a push of a button.
“ I...can do a few more. ”
I squeak, trying to hide the fact I'm about to puke.
...they're so much more important than me.
An endless sea, oily foam lurching up to my ankles.
It's impossible to breathe, but I don't need to.
“ Am I dead...? ”
My voice isn't there. It isn't mine.
A mass of scales and slime swims by.
“ Who are you? ”
...I get no reply.
Fish are too smart for their own good.
I can see the 𝙍𝙀𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙍.
I wonder why they're staring at me...
I realize I'm drooling, my lips quivering.
Like a pig.
Of course this happens to me.
First impressions matter.