rockr

The snow keeps falling, not heavy, but tacky.

No one knows how long it will keep falling.

Take it and go.

After I've counted it.

It's six hundred pounds, what else is there to it? Did you think United Originium Industries would bother to cheat you?

After I've counted it.

Fine, suit yourself. Might as well.

Two years have passed since the railway stopped operating. You're the last one to sign the settlement.

Fifty-eight, fifty-nine, sixty.

(Long sigh)

Finally.

You signed the agreement, you counted your money. Now go; you don't have anything to do with the company anymore.

What now? We need to go home too, you know?

I was just thinking.

About what? Money? You've got all of it, not one pence short.

About all the things the company promised.

Movie theater, public restrooms, nursery, salt soda in the workshops. Some of them came true, others didn't.

But I used to think that what was there wouldn't change.

Whatever you want to think about, do it at home. Get out of here.

What did the company promise you?

Just. Get. Out.

Half of the street lamps have gone out due to disrepair, while the rest continue to shine dimly, painting the snowy night over the commercial sector a shade of orange and yellow.

Hold it.

The worker pretends not to hear and keeps walking, until he finds a knife pressed against his abdomen.

Money.

Don't have any.

I know you just got a bunch. Hand it over.

Don't dawdle.

Mechanical division? Which line?

How did you know—

—Screw that, no questions. Hand over money if you don't want to get hurt.

What's going on? I could lend you the money, if you're really in a bind.

You think I didn't try to borrow? Who would lend a sick man money in these times?

And did you think I could pay it back, even if you lent it to me?

I can wait—

Shut up!

I'll count to three. Make up your mind, whether you want your money or your life.

One... Two...

...Three!

I've counted to three! Don't make me do this!

My lungs are already rotten! I don't have anything to lose! I'll really do it!

Hand the money over!

Now!!

Getting no reaction from the worker, the robber presses the knife further forward, cutting open the worker's clothes.

He feels the sensation of cutting open something, and instinctively pulls the knife back, as though shocked by electricity.

You—

Before the robber can finish, the worker takes out the flimsy envelope and hands it over his shoulder.

The robber grabs the envelope with trembling hands, looking like a man pardoned on the eve of his execution. By the time the worker turns around, the robber has vanished into the night, along with the money.

Six hundred pounds.

The worker stands there for a while, then walks over to the side of the road. He searches his pockets and finds a cigarette, lighting it with his last match.

He breathes the smoke in deeply and squats down like a drunkard.

A single speck of red light flickers in the night.

I'm back, Rochelle.

Rochelle?

Rochelle Rockwell!

Where did she go? It's dark, and it's snowing. I've got to look for her—

...Dad.

Why so late?

The neighbors were talking...

They say you've been robbed.

Is it true?

Her father nods.

I went to the place they were talking about, but there was no one there.

Who robbed you?

Thieves from other districts don't bother to come here. It must have been someone from the light industry district.

He even knew you were getting your settlement money today!

I'll catch that thief—

Let it go, Rochelle.

Let it go?

I had a few words with him. He had no choice.

Dad!

We would have lent him the money if he asked properly. He didn't have to rob you!

If he was any bolder, you would have—

He wouldn't have done it.

If he had the guts, he would have hit me over the head with a hammer, like that guy a few months ago.

Rochelle shivers.

He was sick and desperate, and there was no one who would lend him money.

It was just a moment of weakness. We're all in the same boat. When things get better...

Will they?

They will.

Remember how the boys in the mechanical division made you an operational drone out of spare material for your birthday, a few years ago?

Of course I remember.

It's not just mechanical. We're all family here in the light industry district.

He'll pay it back.

But...

What's that? You don't believe your dad?

It's not that... Mrs. Clark came to ask for some food in the afternoon because they had ran out.

She has five kids...

I know.

I thought you would come back with the settlement money, so I gave them a whole baguette.

The two are silent.

The old house does an adequate enough job of keeping out the wind and cold, though the rattling of the windows is a constant reminder of the snow and wind outside.

I'll ask Mrs. Clark if they had any leftovers—

Don't, not with the snowstorm outside.

I'll go out again tomorrow and see if there are any factories still looking for a stoker. If that doesn't work out, there are always places looking for laborers.

But your back...

Who doesn't have some aches and pains around here? I'm one of the lucky ones.

Go to bed. Don't worry about me.

Years Later...

I've got another wounded here, Rockrock!