The ashes and the scale

I sign my name and poke a bit at my finger with the knife on the table to get the blood run just enough for my fingerprint on the contract. It wasn't that hard considering the scars on my wrist.

I write down the prerequisite that I wanted in the contract, hoping it will be accepted.

I guess this is the right decision then. Maybe just then I can meet her again.

I start to wonder, meet who again? I can't really remember.

The sealed envelope burnt into ashes after I put it on the scale. A loud gong sound breaks my attention from the ashes and the scale as I turn around.

The dark spaces turn into a bright corporate working space. It seems a bit too normal in this sense. A few of the workers were typing at their computers with puzzled faces. Some of them were chatting over coffee at one of the tables.

A brunette,petite girl came my way.

"Well, hello, I guess you must be new. I'm Janet, Head of HR in Division IX. Come and I'll show you your new working place and table"

"So how does this work? Does the soul drop like Mr Bean under a beam of light in front of me or what?"

"Oh, nothing like that sort. From henceforth, we will be referring the soul as client. A week before the client arrives, we will give you a file about the details on them. You will read them through and finding out a way to help them to decide what they want to do in

"Well, although there's no concept of time here, we prefer to have a system to help you meet your target due to a time limit. So here's a special watch for you to keep track on time in this realm. This also works as your identity card to punch in the clock when you start working here."

I just nod my head understandably. The watch looks bizarre. It doesn't really show you the time like the normal watch. But instead with only segments saying due date, work time and rest time.

"Soo.. our life is a trial period huh?"

"Huh? What do you mean?"

She never heard of it? That's weird. Am I an excluded case? Or should the trial period thing remain a secret? I guess I shouldn't say anything for now.