Zane swiped his card at the counter. Just then, a sound emanated from his right cargo pants' pocket. He removed his flip phone. It was a 2018 version his aunt had given to him. A message had been sent to his phone from the bank:
「$26 has been paid to Arshburn 24 convenience store. Thanks for using this service. Your new balance is $3 」
He took the carrier bag and his receipt and walked out.
He then unlocked the bike from the bicycle stand outside the convenience store and cycled down the bicycle lane towards his home. The afternoon sun beat down on his back as he pedaled, sweat beginning to form on his forehead despite the cool March air.
Zane was excited. His girlfriend-Lana had finally agreed to sleep with him. They had been dating for six months, and after nagging her for a long time, she'd agreed. His heart hammered in his chest every time he thought about tonight.
Zane was a really lucky guy. Despite being poor, he had scored himself a beautiful girlfriend. Lana was the most beautiful girl in Arshburn Community College. Today, Zane had finished his class early; it was only 3 p.m. He was now heading home to prepare. The weight of the small bag in his basket reminded him of what lay ahead.
Zane was only a scholarship student, and he mostly worked part-time jobs to earn a living, pay for his apartment, and buy himself food. His mother—Zara died during his birth, and his dad, a janitor at the college, had slipped and injured himself while cleaning. His father—Zeng Ling is now hospitalized. Even though the college pays part of his medical expenses, it isn't enough, and Zane has to pay the remainder. The medical bills stacked up like a house of cards, threatening to collapse his carefully balanced world.
Zane had several part-time jobs. He had his father's medical expenses and still had to buy gifts for Lana. Today, Zane had bought a packet of armor and lubricants. Zane was actually nervous, as he was still a pure lad who'd never pulled a trigger. His hands had trembled slightly when he'd purchased the items, the cashier's knowing look burning into his face.
Zane stopped at a certain junction where rental bikes were hired. He rode in and walked out without the bike he previously had. He only had to walk around 100 yards before reaching the apartment. Zane now lived in an apartment after selling their house to pay for his father's medical expenses. It was hefty. Luckily, now he only needed to pay for his father's nurse; the college is kind enough to cover the other expenses. The small apartment building loomed ahead, its faded brick exterior a constant reminder of how far he'd fallen.
"Hey, do you think we'll find him today?" a heavy voice said.
Zane quickly hid in the bushes upon hearing the voice. He was familiar with it. His blood ran cold.
A short, bulky man with a bald head and a bandana tied around it was walking down the street toward his apartment. Beside him, a tall hooded man was standing alongside him.
The tall man—Luka passed a cigarette to Briggs the short man.
"I heard he comes at around these times on Tuesday," Luka replied, pointing at an old apartment building in front.
"He stays in this building, room twenty-one," he continued.
These two men were from the Iron Crocs gang. Their leader, Grizo, is a loan shark. He usually gives loans to residents with really high interest rates, then sends his gang members to collect on failure to pay weekly. He was a tyrant that even the police feared. It was nearly impossible to fully pay his debts. People only approached him when they had no other choice. The stories of what happened to those who couldn't pay circulated through the neighborhood like whispered warnings.
A visit from the gang would always lead to an injury—usually a broken arm or leg, or a bruised eye depending on the interest. Since the previous week, these two had been looking for Zane. He always managed to escape. Zane had a bar waiter job that he was using to pay the Iron Crocs. This was Zane's highest income source. The bar was recently closed, so Zane had no choice but to evade the Iron Crocs until he found another stable source of income.
Zane hid in the bush until they entered the apartment. He then moved and took cover in a dark alley across the street opposite the apartment. His heart pounded so hard he was sure they'd hear it from three stories up.
After around ten minutes, the two came out, their faces furrowed and menacing.
"Fuck, we missed him again," Briggs said, pulling a cigarette from his black leather coat.
"I think the bastard knows we are onto him… he's avoiding us," Luka said, striking a match and lighting the cigarette in Briggs' mouth.
After the two disappeared down the street, Zane emerged and entered the building, his heart thumping.
Glad they didn't see me. I would have lost my arm today. I better be careful from now on. This was a close call. His legs felt like jelly as he climbed the stairs.
Zane had borrowed $1,000 when his father's injury relapsed three months before. Now, Zane has to pay $50 per week in order to keep up with the 20% monthly interest. He also had to pay another $300 per month for his father's nursing fee and also buy food and pay his $200 monthly rent. He had a daily income ranging between $50 on bad or serious timetable days to $150 on good days. The math never worked out in his favor.
Briggs and Luka usually came every Saturday to collect his weekly payment, but the previous weekend Zane had no money and has been evading them the whole week.
Zane usually sorted out his financial issues and even managed to save some money. Although ever since the Grizzy Midnight Bar closed, Zane has been struggling to make a living. He usually earned a minimum salary of $50 per day with occasional tips from drunk customers—mostly middle-aged ladies.
Zane has a striking appearance. He has a physique models dream of, with a well-sculpted face. His azure eyes can immediately drown anybody looking into them. The bar manager liked him as he attracted middle-aged women with money who spent a lot in the bar. He was the toy they liked playing with and teasing. He'd learned to smile through their touches and comments, each tip a small victory against his mounting debts.
However, the bar owner had a big loan he'd borrowed to start the business. The loaning bank had taken his bar. It was now under renovation to be turned into a boutique. Zane hoped he'd be employed there after its completion. With his appearance, he could get a job there.
Zane had already showered and applied an expensive cologne he usually used during important occasions. He had borrowed clothes from his friend—Allen the previous evening. The scent filled his small bathroom, a brief luxury in his sparse life.
He now wore a white button-up shirt, crisp and freshly pressed, the top buttons left undone. Over it, a dark blazer clung to his frame. The fabric wasn't silk or linen, but caught the low light like it wanted to be. His black trousers were simple, tailored just enough to follow the shape of his legs without being tight. No crease, no flash, just clean intent. His shoes—polished—looked like they'd been buffed until they remembered what pride felt like.
Around his wrist, a minimalist black watch ticked softly. Borrowed. It didn't matter. It made him look like time was something he owned.
He smelled right—a hint of cedar and something warm beneath it. Clean skin, fresh breath, and a tension in his jaw like he wasn't used to being this close to what he wanted.
He didn't look like a man trying to impress. He looked like a man trying not to fall.
Zane then removed his flip phone. He dialed Allen.
"Hey man, is your dad still home… I just need it for the evening. I'll return it before ten… Also, send the cash… Don't worry, we'll work it out later."
Zane was calling to borrow his father's car. They had agreed the previous day. Allen's father usually went with his mother for drinks every Friday. They usually took taxis as they could not drink and drive. He had just confirmed they were away.
Zane then looked at the watch. It was 6 p.m. He had agreed to pick up Lana at 7 p.m., then head for a date at a local restaurant and be done before 8 p.m. He then had to take her to an apartment he had also borrowed from his other friend—Trent and be done by 9:30 p.m. He'd then return the car. Simple, right? The timeline felt fragile, like everything else in his life.
Just then, a chime came from his pocket. Zane didn't look. He knew what it was—it was probably a message from the bank. He had borrowed $300 from Allen for his date. Allen had delivered.
He had to go take the car. Allen lived five blocks from the apartment, so he would have to walk there. It wasn't far.
He then exited his apartment. He popped his head from the building's reception door, scanning the outside. He had to watch out for Briggs and Luka. He couldn't risk it. After confirming, he then walked out. Seconds later, he quickly rushed in. He had forgotten his wallet, which had his card and driving license. After a minute of looking everywhere, he finally found it under his pants on the bed. His hands shook as he grabbed it.
After walking for a few steps outside the apartment building, he stopped, took his phone out, then smiled. He had to confirm; he couldn't risk it being some random promotional message. Allen had sent the cash. For the first time all day, something had gone right.
Zane was halfway down the block when a violent CLANG! shattered the rhythm of his steps. He spun around. A coin had slammed onto the pavement behind him, rebounded with a high-pitched clink! then skipped once—twice—before spinning out in a frantic circle. It rattled on its edge, scraping out a harsh metallic whine, then collapsed with a flat ting that echoed in the concrete canyon of the city. He stared at it, frowning. That hadn't just fallen—it had arrived.
It was a golden coin with a big "S" engraved on it. Where had it come from? He glanced up at the buildings around him, searching for an open window, a balcony, anything that might explain its sudden appearance.
Zane didn't care. It looked expensive and would surely earn him a fortune if he sold it at the pawn shop. He then bent to pick it up and get away quickly before the owner arrived. His fingers were inches from the metal when the world shifted beneath him.
Just then… a dark hole appeared under his feet and swallowed him. It then disappeared as it had appeared. The street stood empty, as if Zane had never been there at all. Only the faint scent of cedar cologne lingered in the evening air.