A fool's paradise

A fool's Paradise, pt 1

 *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*, *BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*. It was that damn sound, that sound that wakes me up, that sound I constantly hear every morning, that sound I loathed since I was 7—the alarm. Couldn't ever bring myself to throw it out, though. But that's the person I am, the person I was destined to be since my first breath. The 25-year-old child, Alex Arenvega. Born and raised in an orphanage. Never knew my parents, nor where I was born. I know that I am Alex Arenvega, and I live in some town called Clairston. Never questioned it, as long as I have food and shelter, I don't mind. The neighborhood is your typical privileged white neighborhood, with some diversity, but rare. I am surprised a scrawny white orphan like me was able to afford such a place with a neighborhood like this, but most of my funds come from the orphanage itself, so I don't complain. I mean, a crime-free, rich neighborhood, who wouldn't want that? Sadly, every day remains the same, almost as if I'm in a simulation, but that's crazy talk, right? Sadly, every day remains the same. Wait, didn't I just say that? Nah, must be my imagination. Like I said, my day remains the same, I wake up, get ready and dressed, go to work a 9-5 at Joe's Junk n' Stuff!, come home, and sleep. Repeat. Not on weekend's though, those days I get to chill and watch television, Good old television. All of that being said, though, that summarizes my life, entirely.

"Hey John!" - I say while checking in for today's shift, he gives me the cold shoulder. John's a coworker, most importantly, he's my friend. He and I have been working together at this joint since it opened, 4 years ago, in 2026. We're what's known as the "O.G." workers, speaking of work, I remembered I have to teach the newbies how everything works today. Guess this will be "exciting". Whenever I get put incharge of teaching newbies how things are in this place, I get frustrated and agitated, most of the time they don't listen and yet it's my burden and "responsibility" to ensure they know how to pick up and put down a damn box. Today, though, it was different. These people seemed too young to be my age, if not older; they had to be at least 16. Ironically, these newbies were well-mannered and listened to what I had to say. These people, whom I presume to be "young," listened and followed instructions better than people in here who are 30. Even though I'm pleased with these newbies' behaviors and performance, I'm a bit skeptical about why a bunch of 16-year-olds are here, working at a Junk n' Stuff. After my little tutor session, I head to Joe, the store owner, and question him about it.

"Hey Joe," I say.

"Alex! Just the man I wanted to see, how'd things go with the newbies?" He asked enthusiastically

"Great, bu-"

"I'm glad to hear that! Now, you're probably wondering why they look 16. Well.. that's because they are! The company decided to go in a different direction and hire more teenagers, good for business and morality, and you know what else?"

"What else?" I answered, I knew what he was going to say, but I still played ball and went along with it.

"I DON'T HAVE TO PAY THEM AS MUCH, ISN'T THAT GREAT?"
I knew it.

"That's great, boss bu-"

"I'm going to stop you right there, Alex. I'm the owner, I call the shots. I know how you like to complain and whine, so whatever it is that you want to bitch about, don't do it here." He said, annoyed.

"Y-yes sir."

I left, in anger, of course, and disbelief. Did he just say that? After all I've done for him, for this company? Not just that, this place is NOT kid-friendly at all. When I say that, I mean it, drugs, posters, and a lot of other NSFW stuff I dare not mention. It just doesn't feel real. This all has to be fake, like a video game or a movie. This all doesn't feel real? I guess? Just doesn't stick right with me that a bunch of 16-year-olds are here out of all places. This place, this store, isn't child-friendly. I swear I already said that. I look at the clock to realize I have 10 more minutes until my shift ends, so I start wrapping things up and saying goodbye to my peers. I was relieved to go home, to lie down and sleep.