By the next morning, Luiz had made up his mind — he wouldn't just sit and drown.He needed money. He needed a job. He needed something.
He spent the day walking through the city, moving from one building to another, scanning posters, asking at cafes, studios, even bookshops.Everywhere, the answer was the same:
"Sorry, we're not hiring.""Come back next month.""No experience? Try online."
By evening, his shoes were coated in dust, and his phone battery almost dead.He sank onto a bench near a bus stop, staring at the reflection of streetlights in a puddle.
He opened his contacts and scrolled down to a name he hadn't called in months — Dad.His thumb hovered over the call button.Then, with a sigh, he pressed it.
The call rang… and rang… until a familiar voice finally answered."Luiz? It's been a while."
"Yeah," Luiz said softly. "I need a favor."
A pause. "Go on."
"I'm short on fees. I was hoping you could help me out a bit."
His father exhaled heavily. "Luiz, I'm not saying no… but right now, things are tight. I'll see what I can do — just give me some time."
Luiz forced a small smile even though his throat felt tight. "Yeah. Sure. I understand."
"Keep your head up, son," his father added. "It won't always be this hard."
The line went dead, leaving only the low hum of traffic.
Luiz sat there a moment longer before opening another contact — Cousin Adrian.He hesitated. Adrian was successful, the type who never failed to remind others.Still, Luiz needed something.
He called.The voice on the other end was smooth, confident. "Luiz! Haven't heard from you in forever. What's up?"
"Hey, man," Luiz said, trying to sound casual. "I was wondering if there's any work at your studio. I could use something — anything really."
Adrian chuckled. "The great Luiz, asking for work? Didn't you always say music wasn't your thing?"
Luiz didn't answer.
"Well," Adrian continued, amusement dripping from his tone, "I don't really have openings for 'anything'. But I could use someone to clean around the place. You know — sweep, mop, take out trash. The artists tend to leave a mess."
Luiz's jaw tightened.
Adrian laughed softly. "What? Don't look so shocked. Everyone starts somewhere, right? I built my empire from nothing. Maybe this will humble you a bit."
Luiz closed his eyes, breathing through the sting. "Thanks for the offer," he managed.
"Good boy. I'll text you the address. Start tomorrow — if you're serious."
The call ended.
Luiz sat there under the dim streetlight, phone still in his hand.The city around him buzzed with music and laughter — but all he could hear was the echo of Adrian's voice.
"Clean my empire."
He looked up at the night sky, bitter wind brushing his face.Tomorrow, he'd take the job.Not because he wanted to…But because he didn't have a choice.