New Hire

The new guy came up to our floor after receiving his onboarding information from HR. He spoke with our team assistant, detailing his drive from Chicago to Los Angeles. Three days across the country, no stops. I’ve known people who took joy in the trip, elongated it, went camping, stopped at the kitschy roadside tourist traps. The new hire speedran it, sleeping in his car. He didn’t sign the papers for his new apartment until the day before; the process had taken over a month. He was sleeping at a hotel downtown in the meantime. At the very end, he mentioned his mother and father, still back in Chicago, who lamented his leaving home for the first time.

No. 103

Boarder

Home for the summer, a neighbor boy rides his skateboard every night. The rhythmic rolling of the wheels sounds before the thump of impact and the sound of steps as he regains his footing and prevents a tumble. This irritates the dog, who sends barks in the teen’s direction. He gathers his skateboard and goes to a side road with a steeper grade. There he can find his balance, gain speed, and build his skills without criticism.

No. 099

Refuse

Bag upon bag of environmental detritus lined the street. Tree branches, twigs, and leaves poked holes in the black garbage bags, trying to force themselves back into the world. Instead of deteriorating and returning their nutrients to the soil, they will become trapped in the plastic that will never rot. The manicured hillside, hidden by the fence from the street, will be their prize to keep for themselves.

No. 067