Day 000 Hour 06 - Change

It seems like I had stumbled upon something I should have not. Now I had a decision to make. Would I see what they were about or do I ignore it and enjoy another two weeks of food? As usual, my curiosity got the better of me since I was already putting my shoes that were riddled with the wear and tear of time.

I paused in front of apparents door while I locked it from the outside. I just remembered why the shop's name sounded familiar. It isn't actually a shop but more of a counter in a store. Those from outside of the tight knit community would never know where to start looking. And the funny thing is that Polito was not even her name.

"If I go to her, there will be no turning back." This is one of those pivotal moments I read about all of the time stories. "Should one not embrace change, they will be left and forgotten while the world moves forward." I recalled one of the quotes that seem to be relatively true to my situation.

There is no need to worry now. If I get into trouble, I will run. Like I always do and will keep doing. It is not that I am a coward, or maybe I am, but somethings are just beyond the limits of my capabilities.

After locking up, I took the ten flights of stairs down. Without the chance for a lower floored apartment, my legs nearly break from the many times of climbing the stairs just to go home. The streets outside were narrow. Almost alleyways than actual roads. We would need to move to the side even for smaller motor bikes.

"Good morning everyone." I wave to the many shopkeepers and stall attendants fulfilling my morning rituatials. "I am off to work. I will see you later." With a smile on my face, I like moving briskly through the streets. As many people like to linger and take their time, I have such luxury.

"You are out early today. Come in for some tea and take a bag with you." A gentler older lady hailed me down before turning the tight corners of our neighbourhood. "Even you need to eat."

If I did not see her, I would not look for her but now is different since she called out to me first. She is a sweet old lady and everyone loves her but I did not enjoy always owing her for the assistance she provides. She is doing it not expecting anything in return but that does not mean I need to take advantage. The teachings of my parents were still with me.

"I am in a rush today auntie. I will see you in the store on my way back today. Since I am leaving early now, I will be back before you close up." I hurry to explain away my rushed behavior and she accepts it with a smiling nod. This is how I knew she was a good person. She never pushed her "kindness" on to anyone.

It did not take me long to reach the hole in the wall that housed my destination. I slip past the many customers and reach the back end of the shop. There was one other person standing in line before me. I could tell that it will not take long so I observe the woman behind the makeshift table. It fit the length of the back wall except for the opening on the left side. Which she clearly entered and exited from. She had enough room to move and sit but covered up the things back there with a cloth.

As my turn came up, my heart started to steadily increase its beating. Was I doing the right thing? Am I putting myself in danger? Similar questions came to me with every step I took towards her. She was not too tall. She was just a little shorter than me and right for an average woman's height. She had black hair that was tied into a ponytail and eyes that matched her hair. Her eyes seemed devoid of emotion and looked at me with a sense of contempt. I knew exactly what she wanted to ask me: what do you want?

Without talking, I reached into my hidden pouch to grab the bill and noticed her flinch. I then realized the problem of the situation. She did not know me or what I was about to take out.

"I request change that can be traced back to me." I said as I continued taking out the large bill. Her nervousness turned into evident astonishment. As if I could never belong with the phrase I uttered.

Throughout the entire event, she did not say a thing though. She took the cash and handed me an envelope with the insignia on it. My novice to everything, I opened the envelope with the many people still around me. Luckily, no one approached the back of the shop often. Inside I counted 19 five dollar bills and 3 one dollar bills. I looked at her after being clearly cheated.

Instead of an explanation, she said something that brought back the dread of the situation I placed myself into, "It is now too late to turn back." Her words were soft and quick but sharp enough to pierce my heart.