Chapter 2
Tony was enjoying his first job. Well, okay, he'd rather be able to sleep in every day during summer break and hang out with his friends more, but it was great to be making some money. Besides, as soon as he got his driver's license he would need money for gas and all the fun activities he'd be free to do once he had some wheels, so he didn't really mind having to work a few days a week. His boss, Matt, was very easygoing and fun to work with, and he got a store discount on sporting equipment, so he felt pretty lucky. And the location was perfect – just across the street and down the block from one of his favorite pizza joints.
Tony tapped lightly on the glass door of the shop, which was still locked since the store wasn't opening for another half hour. Matt let him in with a pleasant "Good morning!" and directed him to the back room of the store to work on inventory and some restocking. As Tony began unpacking boxes and checking the inventory, he frowned at the loud noise clearly heard just outside the back wall. There was some construction work being done in the lot behind the store, and he found the jarring sound of chattering jackhammers a little distracting.
The store was fairly busy after the first hour, and Tony couldn't believe it was already almost 12:30 p.m. by the time he looked at the clock. His rumbling stomach, though, was well aware of the time. Matt gave him an amused look and, seeing there were no customers in the store at the moment, told him to go on lunch break. Tony happily headed over to the pizzeria with a promise to be back within the allotted time.
Tony squinted as he stepped outside the store, inhaling deeply as he enjoyed the fresh summer air on this perfect and sunny day. And then the world exploded.