Monday came, therefore, weekdays and workday started. I had applied for the part-time job at The Wilsons. I might need to wait a few days for a response. Then, as usual, I took a shower for the day. The bird was unusually quiet.
Breakfast was still the same food as any other day. I will restock today. I went out with my usual work clothes, with the addition of the new jacket instead of the old one. I also wore wool gloves so that my hands would not freeze in the cold weather.
I stopped by The Wilsons, it wasn't as crowded as the last two days. Then, I ordered my regular and exchanged a few words with Jonah. He seemed agitated, evident from his stiff body language.
"You know, I think Mom and Dad aren't so fond of these new ideas my sister had." He told me, "They have yet to say anything to her, but I know them well. They have that one look. I'm afraid of what would happen." He finished.
"Talk with them. If it bothers you, then tell them just that." I advised, whether it was reliable or not, I don't know. I have never faced such a situation.
"No. That'll be hard. It probably won't turn out fine. Like, what if they ended up fighting because of that? I don't want to be the cause for such a thing."
"Then don't. Be silent." That was all I could say to him.
He sighed, "Honestly, I'm lost. My sister's plan worked, but it didn't align with Dad's vision. He made this place because he wanted people to enjoy his brew, not for dolls and glitters. But then again, her plan attracted a lot of customers. Business booms, money comes in."
"Do... what feels right... to you..?" I managed to speak out, it sounded less of an advice and more of a question. I didn't even think it was an advice at all; too vague to be one, but it seemed to be a common thing to say as an advice. His face brightened, maybe he found himself an answer, or that my response somehow calmed him down even if temporarily.
"Yeah. I guess that's all I could do now." He sighed, again. Before we parted ways, I decided to tell him that I applied there for a part-time job. He told me he would approve it later. Then, I went on as usual.
In the office, there was a little commotion. From the sounds of it, I could guess that it was about Daniel. I approached them, and my guess was on the mark. Danial had bought a new jacket, the same one as mine, but he didn't stop there. He also bought new, branded pants, shoes and even a golden watch.
When he saw me, he immediately flaunted all of it. He even showed a car key—did he buy one? It seemed a little strange for me, considering that he was of the same status (merely office workers). When I asked him, he told me that he had done "that". I didn't realize at first, but then, it clicked onto me. The others gushed about him being a freelancer.
I went to my cubicle after that. I didn't partake in the conversation. During lunch, in the cafeteria, they invited me to a bar after work, for that. I thought of it, and decided to accept it. I wouldn't order much since my finances were a little tight.
After work, we immediately went to the bar right across the building. Everyone, including the manager, went there. The waiters knew us. We sat around a table reserved for drinking parties like this. Instead of a bar, maybe it was more appropriate to say 'Izakaya' (居酒屋). The owners were from Japan, and they had brought the nomikai (飲み会) culture here. Our manager, an avid fan of Japanese culture, dragged us into it. Now, it has become a regular occurrence. One that would be held once a week.
I only had a few slices of beef, then a few shots of alcohol. The others... They were on a drinking spree. Their words slurred and their faces flushed, a sign of drunkenness.
We ended it at night. It was around 21:00. Fortunately, the supermarket was open. Regrettably, the things I bought there might cost a little more than the ones in the grocery store.
Before entering, I saw the bird on the lamppost. I didn't feel surprised anymore, for it had appeared the same way a few days ago. Maybe it would appear the same way again the next day, and the other day.
Now, its voice was soothing, "You saw your friend back then? People flocked to him from every corner. Follow his ways."
I didn't think much of it, but still keep its words close. I went inside and bought myself raw chickens and vegetables. On the cashier, the monitor brightly shone with offers and deals. I saw points, again. This time, it was 100. For reaching that milestone, I received a coupon worth a few cents. When I stepped out, the bird was still there. It seemed to be upset. I didn't know why.
"You bought it? Good! But why can't you buy more? You could also buy more things, you know? Not just food. Buy everything!" It cawed at me.
I didn't like it. I went home without looking back, fully knowing that it would be home before me for whatever reason. I didn't entertain it any further. I quickly put the foods into the fridge, then I went to sleep after changing.
I managed. It was uncomfortable.