I awoke, exhausted. Even when I slept, sleep seemed to elude me. I sat up off of my floor, stiff from sleeping in the same position all night. I lay down again, rolling over to try and sleep again. I succeeded in nothing.

I was still alone in an empty apartment, no people anywhere. My parents were dead, any known relatives the same. I don't know when my depression started, or my insomnia. I was sixteen, it was the middle of summer, and I refused to live anywhere but on my own. I had a job, of course, but it was only ten dollars an hour. That was something the owner of the stupid fast-food joint did because he knew I had no family.

Thank God I still had my virginity. The man was so very nice, and even stuck his neck out for me every once in a while. He only wanted to see that I was well taken care of. Bless his soul.

I sighed and got up. I got dressed, and decided to take my truck to work. An early bird gets the worm, as the saying goes. I decided to stop by a Starbucks, first. I was sure to take a slow time at five-fifteen in the morning.

When I arrived at work, my sandy-color haired boss welcomed me. He was always first there at Burger Hut.

"How are you doing this fine morning?" he welcomed me as I entered the kitchen.

"Same as ever, David."

"Just call me Dave. I'd like you to be comfortable here."

"I know."

He sighed. "Look, the only reason I'm here today is because I know you don't have a phone."

"Scary."

"Sorry, but you told me that yourself. Anyway, Seraphim, Violet, John, and Trish called in sick today, Marty's still on his own leave, which he refuses to tell me what he's doing, and Mark is still on vacation."

"What about everyone else? Olivia and Geoff?"

"I haven't heard a peep out of those two."

"So everyone's gone?"

"Everyone but you and me, kid. I don't think we'll open up today, it's just too risky. We can't do this without at least five people on staff."

"So what will we do?"

"There's nothing we can do."

I sighed. "So what…? Turn around and head back home?"

"I guess so."

"Sorry, David…"

"Not your fault, Lightning. You're better than the rest, showing up today."

I nodded.

"So… Here." He handed me something from his pocket. "A full day's pay."

"I… Why are you giving me this…?"

"It's a treat… But don't tell the others, they'll want some as well. And, I'm raising your pay to twelve buck an hour."

"A raise? Why?"

"I see you as the best worker here. You work hard, and you're always here. You never seem to be sick."

"Oh. Thank you."

"Don't mention it. Literally." He chuckled.

I laughed, then turned to leave.

"Wait."

"What?"

"I'll call you tomorrow incase no one shows up."

I smiled. "No phone, remember?"

"Right." He smacked himself on the forehead.

"I'll just come, anyway."

"Okay."

I drove home, took a sleeping supplement, and went to my room. I lay there for an hour or so until I finally passed out.