Preparing for a New Life

It’s not getting evil organization-ish… yet.

---

« Prev Chapter | Main Page | Next Chapter »

---

I was currently inside a small apartment. It was a 1LDK, meaning that it was furnished with a kitchen and a separate room to sleep in. I had no kitchenware though; no bed either. But I had a towel, so I could take a bath at least. Anyway, it was heaven compared to life at the internet cafe.

So, how did I get here? It’s not that long of a story.

---

After the interview, I headed towards the reception desk as instructed. The lady from before called out to me when I arrived.

“Congratulations on your employment. I was instructed to arrange your accommodation.”
“Thank you very much. And… correct me if I’m wrong, but did you say something about an accommodation?”
“Yes, you heard me correctly.”

The lady gave me a broad smile, but it only befuddled me more. She seemed to have sensed my confusion and provided me with an explanation. Apparently, it would make it rather inconvenient for them to keep in touch with me if I remained (practically) homeless.

The organization owned a small apartment near their branch office. Coincidentally, it was close to the school where I would be commuting to one week from now. And so, I was told to reside there from here on.

If you’re wondering why I’m being so nonchalant about this. It’s because my brain has shut down due to all the abrupt changes happening at the same time.

Treating it as someone else’s problem made it easier for me. Moreover, it gave me a more objective view of my situation. It helped reduce panic attacks, which proved to be an effective method.

She drew a map, wrote my address and room number on a note. Then she passed it to me along with a pamphlet on the company orientation.

“Don’t be late,” she said on my way out.

I went to the train station to retrieve my textbooks and school uniform that I had stored in a coin locker. Then, I purchased an alarm clock at a shop nearby.

Electric Analog Alarm Clock x1 = ¥980 (tax inc.)
AA Batteries x4 = ¥315 (tax inc.)
Total Purchase = ¥1,295

Old Balance = ¥4,835
New Balance = ¥3,540

I’m not crying. I have a salary now. Hahaha… haha… *sigh* It’s not even my first day yet, but I’m already looking forward to payday.

I asked the shop owner to set the clock while I was at it. It was a small local shop, so he had to do everything by himself. He was the owner, the manager, and his own employee.

As I was lugging my hefty bags to the apartment, I thought to myself. Maybe I could have asked the reception lady to keep my textbooks.

---

The building was neither new nor old. It had a black roof, and the walls were painted with cream color. It was a two-story building with four units per floor, and my room was located on the second floor. Not a single light could be seen from any of the windows. Apparently, I was the only tenant here. I decided to head right instead of loitering around so I could rest.

On the opposite ends of the building were two staircases leading upstairs, and I climbed the one to my left for no reason in particular. A white hand sprouted from one of the steps, trying to grasp my leg. But I crushed it underfoot before it could.

I’m tired, okay? I don’t feel like dealing with these things at the moment. All the bags I was carrying added to my weight, and consequently, my stomping power.

I arrived at unit 201 with no problem. I unlocked the door and entered my new sweet home. It was around 4mx4m wide, furnished with a bathroom, a toilet, and even a kitchen. A lot better than a private stall at an internet cafe.

The fact that I was the only inhabitant remained a mystery for me. Apparently, not even the building manager lived here. No matter, it means I can make a racket without care. Oh, there’s a closet here.

Opening the closet revealed an empty row, which was to be expected. I had not placed anything in there after all. It was around 2m in width and half of that in depth. Then I looked at the upper row. There was a girl with white hair, white clothes; even her skin was pale white. She was slightly translucent for some reason. She was sitting while grasping her knees in the small closet.

I opened my mouth wide, and covered it with my right hand… to make a big yawn. I recommend covering your mouth whenever you yawn. It’s a good habit to have. Also, is it just me or is she staring at me like she just saw something unbelievable? I paid her no heed and closed the closet door.

The bathroom was equipped with both a shower and a bathtub. I was sleepy, so I decided to skip the bath and take a quick shower. I had no clothes to change into, but I could sleep with just my underwear on. As for the bedding… my jacket would do.

While I was showering, I saw the girl’s face emerging from the wall. *sigh* Am I too tired that I’m starting to hallucinate? Or maybe I’m famished. Hopefully the former than the latter.

I finished my shower and left the bathroom with my hair still wet. Then I put on my underwear, laid my jacket on the floor, and went to sleep.

---

Back to top  | Next Chapter »

---