Chimera - Chapter 2

Story by JoshDan on SoFurry

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#2 of Mental Critters

A bit of tension before the arrival of the second main character...

Characters and story © Me

All comments are welcome.


2. Crappy routine

For a few years now, Jack had been working as a salesman in a DIY store. So, he spent his days assisting clients into their work, tidying the aisles, making sure the equipment's working properly, sorting new arrivals, and other tasks more or less meticulous.

And although his job offered him a comfortable salary, he was fed up of this routine. Although he didn't show it, his job began to get on his nerves. Between customers returning dissatisfied of their purchase, those who cared about cheap rubbish, his colleagues telling meaningless stories, and his boss who took perverse pleasure in persecuting him, there was good reason to.

This day, he was responsible for shelving. A less tiring duty than unloading, but extremely boring compared to the number of labels he saw passing before his eyes. He sat down for a moment, in order that breathe a bit and rub his eyes. As if it isn't enough that he was already weary, this task would end up sending him to sleep. And it's at that very moment, a dalmatian, same age and size as him, came joyfully to welcome him: "Hi Jackie."

"Eh? Yes, hello."

"Oh boy, you look miserable."

"Meh, no more than usual."

"Has this ever happened to you smiling?"

"Yes, except here, I don't want to. And you, what you got to smile like that?"

"Well, tonight is Julie's housewarming."

"Shit, it's right." The feline mumbled.

"Wait, you didn't forget, did you?"

"No. Not this damn lousy shindig, just the date."

"Well listen. If you don't seem more enthusiastic than that, I can tell you, I'm excited, buddy!" The dog enthused.

"Wait, is it this party what makes you happy on this way?"

"Yeah. I'm telling you, tonight, I'll leave in good company."

"Heh, happily for you." Jack made a face.

"Hey, it's not because I have my plans for the evening, you mustn't do likewise."

"Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I have something better to do that get back together with somebody."

"Oh yes, and why that?"

"Because the last time I got on well with a guy, this bastard cleared off overnight, without telling me anything."

"Rah, forget this asshole. You deserve better than him, and I'm sure you'll find the good person."

"Damn it, you don't understand I want to stay single, or you're just dumb?" Jack lost patience.

"Hey, no need to raise your voice."

"SO, WHY YOU CAN'T SAY NOTHING ELSE, DAMN IT!!!!!"

CRACK! BOOM! Waving his arms, the lion unwittingly spilled boxes, and various items which are spread on the floor. Damage weren't significant, but the noise had drawn the attention.

"And shiiiit!" The lion whispered, irritated.

Before the two employees had the chance to do something, one bear was making his way through the small group. Without changing its course, the ursid was heading right for the big cat, and called out at him, mad: "Can I know what is that racket?"

"Nothing serious, Mister." The dalmatian hastened to answer. "He did a wrong move, and so--"

"Mr. Lépine, you better clean this mess up, otherwise this mishap will be considered on your salary."

"As if it made a difference..." The feline mumbled.

"Excuse me?!"

"Oh, I said, I would better hurry up, because I don't want take a chance."

"You better have. As for you, Mr. Pilar, return to your post."

Once the director gone, the employee knelt down and picked up the boxes spread out on the ground. Once again, that fell for him. And once again, he submitted himself to the managerial authority without protest. Which outraged him more than anything.

While he dwelt on those revolting thoughts, he didn't see that his colleague also got down on his knees to tidy the jumble. And when he finally noticed him, he said nothing. The two pals know each other so well, that they knew what the other was thinking just by looking at each other.

"Hey, Jack?"

"Hmmm?"

"I really mean what I've said. I'm confident for you, just so you know."

"Fabian, just help me to clean this mess, and shut it, please."

"Sigh, as you wish."

Just with this scene, the lion found his life even more pathetic. Certainly, he didn't compare unfavorably to others who are in a more difficult situation than his, but when he saw his social life, his job, and his hobbies, he always came back to the same conclusion: he really had a shit life.

And nothing, or no one wouldn't contradict him. However, he ignored he's wrong, and someone... would prove him wrong.