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Fuck I’m late for work Rushing down the hallway I quickly but unsuccessfully brush my teeth, splash my face with some cold water, and without even looking twice, left the house with my shirt inside out and pants half on and off. And shit I forgot my wallet and keys. Another messed up Mondayanother day of this shitty place that, unfortunately, pays the little bills that I have. Living with my parents has been both a blessing and a nightmare. Since I dropped out of college, my parents have made a list of rules to keep their disorganized daughter in line, with the cost of not paying rent. Be home by 11 oclock, clean the house, wash and fold clothes, and most importantly, keep my room clean and tidy. The nightmare is that I’m 23 years old still living with my parents while my friends are enjoying this thing called ‘life’. Adela, my best friend for almost 10 years now, is off in college, studying to be an Anesthesiologist. Jerry, my best friend for 18 years, is studying to be a Digital artist. And lastly, Greda, my somewhat friend, has three children and two baby daddies. And then there is me, a college dropout, who wants to become a fighter jet pilot and fails terribly. Back to the drawing board with student loan debt and regrets that I honestly wish would go away, working my youth away at Amazon. “You’re late again, Miss Forest.” Mr. Troy, my quote on quote “Work dad”. He trained me when I started in April. He’s strict and always pushing me to do my best. But how can I When I honestly feel like Management can give two fucks about us. “I overslept, sorry” I explained “ Here’s your van. You’re on the third wave.” Mr. Troy said as he handed me a washdown pouch with TH 58 written on it. Inside carried the keys, gas card, and phone AKA rabbit. I dragged myself over to the van marked TH 58 and started the engine as I logged in to see how many stops I had today. I’m a delivery driver for Amazon. And trust me the extreme workout and heavy packages aren’t the things that keep me. It’s the pay. With no experience in management and no college degree at 23, it’s hard to find something that can keep up with your lifestyle and debt. It’s a blessing I still have this job with my hiccups here and there. God is good. 140 stops and 280 packages. Light and easy. It’s not always like this but it’s midsummer and most people are on a beach, drinking a fancy cocktail and bathing in the sun. Wishing that was me. God only knows that I need a vacation. Strategizing how to organize my stops, in the corner of my eye, a man walked past my van. He was coved up from head to toe with a face mask shielding his mouth and nose. Strange but who am I to judge COVID19 hit all of us in different ways and the aftereffect, some people still wear masks. But it seems that this man always wears a mask. Wondering and overthinking possible reasons why would someone still wear a mask. We were called in for a short meeting. “You guys are doing great Just remember guys to clean up after yourself.” The manager spoke aloud to us. There he was again. The man from earlier. He stood tall and across from me. I started analyzing his strong slender build body with a dangerous and mysterious aura. He looks sad. But in reality, it seems like everyone, circling the manager, looks sad. And I honestly look like I havent gotten any decent sleep in years. “Please don’t get stuck and make sure you call the customers if the driveway is too wet and it may look like you’ll get stuck.” Coming back into focus on the manager’s speech just before we stretch out. Heading out to pick up our load, I started playing some gospel music to uplift my spirit and before you knew it we were all out to get our vans ready for the day ahead. “You need a hand” I turn around to see the man I was glaring at earlier that day. “Sure” I said running out of breath. As he was helping me, My mind starting wonder again. ‘Why does he wear a mask in a highlabor job’ Without thinking I asked, “Can you breathe okay with your mask on” Shit What was I thinking asking him that question Of course, he can breathe you ido” Yeah I can.” he answered. “Oh okay Well, thank you for helping me, and make sure you stay hydrated.” “You too.” and he walked back to his van. That day I felt something. Unusual and curious.