Pressure.

.

-[Recap]-

Well, what can the jungle offer me? Will our friendship be good, or will it fail like my previous ones? I just gotta wait and see.

- Dipper's POV -

The experience was... not my expectation. I thought it would different and all. No, it made me at feel home; I have no idea how a jungle would make me feel at home, but it felt nice. Was it's dark mist all a lie? Wait, that makes sense. What if people get lost in these tropical woods and felt this presence rest on their shoulders? Would they wander for days and then forget about their hunger and thirst? It would make sense, I sure did feel like staying here forever, but Kahlil rescued me from that mysterious pull.

I'm glad he did; it was about 7:00 PM as I was panicking once more, thinking that I made Uncle Ford waste all of his time for me to come home. I felt so guilty, blaming myself that I did this. Of course, my stupid self told him out loud, I didn't mean to say all of that. "Maybe it'll be different," Kahlil said, standing on the massive branch, which still surprises me; it's that huge.

I looked up at him. "What'd you mean? What if he yells at me?" I said, still shaking from the fear.

"He won't. I can't promise you, but I'm sure your uncle is nice and will understand if you make up an excuse. Although making one up is bad." He said, walking on the branch in the dark.

"Yeah, it is. Do we keep this a secret?" I said, looking over at him. He looks over back at me. "You want to keep this a secret? What proportion do you mean? Us entering the jungle or our relationship?" He asked me.

"Just entering the jungle. I do hear people saying, if you enter it, you will earn alot of beatings." I answered, staring at his surprised face. I looked confused. "What'd you think I meant?"

"Usually, people I used to be friends with, keep our relationship a secret, then they mostly forget about me and join the rest." He said. "Afraid to tell the truth, but soon forget the one in the dust."

"I won't, that's not a real friend, they're not a true friend. I mean, I'm not quite sure if we will be true friends because I'm very unsure about all of this." I said, standing up. I almost slip, but I caught my balance. I felt petrified by being up this high, maybe I should sit back down.

"Your anxiety is very high. You need to stop worrying the future." He said. I nodded, agreeing with him. I do need to stop worrying about the future, it's not important right now. What's important is what I do in the present, and it's worrying about the future... "Also, stop speaking in poems. I'm not seeing the future, although I do think what the future in my head is."

"That's almost seeing the future." He said.

"Shut up." I glared at him. Stop being a smartass already, it's my first day meeting you and you are already annoying me. I told you it'll be an annoying trip to becoming friends. He chuckled. "This'll be fun. Shall I take you back to where we entered?" He asks.

"It will not be fun. Somewhere closer to the Mystery Shack." I said. He nodded as he led the way. I followed him, being very careful as I could to not slip off at any moment.

Once we were on the path, we both said goodbye to each other, hoping to greet each other once more, if it'll be right. If we continue to hang out, then it'll be the best moments of my life. I walked back to the Mystery Shack, still have my bag on. I arrived at the porch, I knocked on the door. I breathe in and out, preparing myself. Uncle Ford opened the door and greet me in. He told me to follow him into the living room, I did so as we walked past the gift shop area and into the living room. He sat down on the chair as I stood by the arch where the little steps were below me.

"How was your day?" He asked. I gulped, getting nervous. Just be yourself, Dipper, nothing is wrong about being yourself.

"It was good. I actually did well on my first day at my job." I smiled, giving myself warmth as I was proud.

"That's good to hear. Is your boss putting you on a schedule soon?" He asked, welcoming my pride.

"Yes, very soon, actually. My boss said I did excellent work on my first training session. They said they'll put me on two more training sessions, after that, I'll be ready. Although maybe after one, I'll be ready, in my opinion. I wouldn't rush it, I'll just take my time." I said, leaning against the arch now. I didn't realize how tired I was, better get some shut-eye soon.

"Good idea, Dipper." He replied, before moving into a comfortable position. "Where were you after 5:00?" He asked. I froze, thoughts blasting in my head. I was getting nervous as I felt my legs shake a bit. Be yourself, Dipper, say what feels right. "... I made a friend today." I said.

"That's good! At least you can get out of the shack to hang out with them. But tell me before you go disappearing on me. You know how I get." He said.

"I know, Uncle Ford. I know how you get, I will next time." I said, nodding.

"Get some rest." He said as he stood up. I nodded as I turned and walked towards the staircase; I climbed up them and then entered my room. I closed the door as I looked around, everything felt so new! I did okay on my job, and I made a new friend. I threw my bag towards my bed as I changed into my PJs. Afterward, I landed on my bed, looking over at the empty spot, across from me. I smiled to myself as I laid down on my bed. Will my happiness last? I thought to myself before drifting off to sleep.


I was pulled in to continue my training for the next two days. It was mostly about going over things that I remembered so I can do well in the position. At least I get to see Wendy again. I swear it'll be my last time being picked on my mentor. She knows I have a crush on her, I do, she's too pretty to be taken. Wendy is a charming girl who is fantastic at everything, I just hope I have a chance with her. If I don't, it'll be all over for me.

While I was in my training sessions, I got to meet some of my co-workers. Mary introduces me to Chris Johnson, a male cashier at the age of 31. He was a white man with brown hair, brown eyes. He usually takes the main orders and "pretends" to order other co-workers around. I see him getting along with Mary very well, as in flirting with her. I sighed, looking away from the awkward conversation between them. I swear this love isn't getting to me.

After that disaster, I was introduced to James Evans, another cashier at the age of 27. He was mixed between black and white with light brown hair, brown eyes. He is seen chatting with Chris sometimes, even hanging out with him so long that he forgets to work. Mary usually snaps him back to work, making him terrified of her as he obeys in silence. I chuckled at my mentor's comment on James. ``... He'll be happy when you're gone... isn't that right?`` I asked. She looked over at me, frowning. ``Yeah, I'll miss everyone here.`` She answered.

``I hope they'll miss you back.`` I said, trying to bring positive into the conversation. ``I hope so too, Mason.``

I am introduced to Gregg Taylor next, the Cook for this Diner. He seems a nice guy, well, on the outside he does. He is a 45 old man who has a daughter in her late teens. I greeted the man back as he grunted at my greeting. Mary says he isn't much of a talker. ``So, you are telling the young lad about me?`` Gregg responded.

``I am his mentor until he is ready, which will be in 2 days, tomorrow is his last training session. The day after that will be his real job.`` Mary explained politely. I stood by her as we stood in the arch. There weren't many customers during the afternoon, although it's a Tuesday, it should be a busy day. Maybe later it'll be active.

``He'll be perfect with my daughter Jade.`` Gregg mentions as I snap my head back to the conversation. ``What?`` I said, looking wide-eyed.

``Don't worry about it, Mason, don't you have eyes for someone else?`` She said, turning away and walking out of the arch.

``... I-I do, but that doesn't mean you can already pick another for me.`` I said, following her. I heard Gregg chuckle behind me, making me feel embarrassed.

Lastly, but not least is Phyllida Robinson, a 19-year-old who is currently a waitress. She is a white woman with blonde hair, blue eyes. She is seen leaning by the counter, trying to hook up with another young male. Mary sighed, grunting in disgust. ``I am not going to get along with her.`` I said, barely mumbling.

``She always does this, she never pays attention to her job. She should be making sure the table is clean, the floor has been mop, etc. `` Mary said, glaring at her. Phyllida looked up at us and jumped three feet into the air. She quickly rushed over and apologized. ``I am so sorry, mam! I got bored after cleaning the table and the floor!``

``All of them?`` Mary asked her. The waitress nodded her head. ``All of them.`` She then looked over to me, looking a bit curious. I was looking wary at her stare, not making a move. ``Is this the new cashier that I've been hearing about?``

``Yes. Your new co-worker in 2 days.`` My mentor said.

``Oh, I can't wait! Hello, my name is Phyllida! You can call me Rose for short, everyone loves to call me that as I wear a rose in my hair bun.`` Phyllida says.

``... Hello, my name is... Mason..`` I slowly said as my mind was freaking out, trying to find the right words to say without looking like an idiot.

``Ain't somebody a shy fox.`` She said. I just realize she's country... her accent says it all. I looked away, trying to find a way out of this.

``An awkward social teen.`` Mary said chuckling. I turn my head to glare at her.

``Oh! You didn't tell me he was a teenager. How old? 15? 14?`` The waitress said, excited. Why did you say my age was below 15? Are you a stalker or something? I started to feel creeped out, wanting to continue my training somewhere else.

``He can tell you that when he is ready.`` Mary said, respecting my personal information. I looked over at her, smiling.

``Well, I guess we have to do this the hard way-`` My mentor interrupted her. ``After I am done with him, alright?``

Phyllida nodded. We all heard the bell ring. ``Places everyone!`` Mary said as I looked panicked. Phyllida got to where she waits for trays to be picked up as I saw James bolt to his spot after standing next to Chris. ``You think you can handle this one, Mason?`` I slowly turned to her, shaking my head.

``Come on, that's what training is about. I'll be right behind you.`` She said, walking away from the entrance where staff members enter and exit. I sighed and walked over to my soon-to-be assigned register. I looked over at the door, waiting patiently for any customer to come through.

.

It sure went by fast, all the way up to night time. It's about 7:45 PM at night, I was busy looking at my flip phone, playing with the buttons. I was quite bored, I didn't know what to do. I didn't see that troubled teen today, I'm starting to think the attempt at friendship may be like my others. I wish I could be optimistic and not worried about the future all the time, It gets annoying, and I hate it. I sighed as I looked up at the door of my room. I looked at my shining lamp on the end table. I decided to get up and walk out of my room.

I traveled down the stairs and over to the living room arch, see my uncles murmur to one another. I sighed, looking in the other direction. A thought came in my head, as I focused on it. I made sure they didn't spot me as I walked towards the gift shop area, passing through the curtains that hang from above. I now stood in the locality where everything was dark and creepy.

The thought was should I venture out into the jungle. It'll take the boredness off my mind, but... I may get lost in it if I feel the pressure on my shoulders. Also, why did I think of it this late? Well, it's not really late, but I think it is. I let out a sigh and decided to venture out. I went to get my shoes and jacket from upstairs. I texted my uncle that I decided to go for a walk. Of course, I was lying, I am just a curious boy who is curious about nature in the jungle, wondering how it works.

I quietly past the living room, through the dark and creepy gift shop and out the door, exiting the shack and onto the dirt path. I looked back at the shack before continuing my way down the dirt path. Was I worried that I was outside at night alone? I wasn't, I can handle myself if there was danger. I halted and turned to the tall trees, which are 24 feet across the ground from where I was standing. I turned and walked towards them. I stopped in front of them and looked up. There's no way in hell I'm climbing that tree, I'll just walk in.

I put my flip phone in my pocket as I carefully stepped into the jungle, hitting some bushes and vines along the way. Now it was very dark and spooky, I had my eyes widen in case there was any danger to come at me. There was no light as I couldn't see where I was going. Why did I stupidly agree with this idea?

Then I felt it. I straightened myself up, feeling the mysterious pressure on my shoulder, telling me to take a break from walking so much in the forest. I haven't at all. I looked around at my surroundings, realizing that I was in a different area. I widened my eyes, my head was going nuts, bursting with panicked thoughts. I quickly grabbed my flip phone from my pocket and open it up. ``... 10:10 PM...`` I let my arm go motionless as I loosened the grip on my flip phone. I stared at the ground, realizing what I just saw.

How long was I gone from the shack? It was only 10 minutes, and now it's almost 3 hours since I've been missing. I mean, I did tell my uncle I was going out. But it's nearly 3 hours! I need to find my way back, I cannot make them worry. I put my flip phone in my pocket as I turned. ``I wouldn't move if I was you.`` I froze, getting more frightened by the seconds. I slowly turned to the voice, seeing a dark figure standing on something... a rock perhaps. ``... What will happen...?`` I said, quivering my speech.

``You'll get lost silly. How long have you been gone from your house? It's a surprise to see you not dead yet.`` I stayed silent after that, keeping my words to myself. The voice wasn't recognizable. It was different, a deeper voice and an irritated tone. ``Unless you did come here on purpose, which I total understand.``

I stayed silent, not moving an inch. I want to leave the jungle, it's a nightmare to be in. After a long silence between the two of us, I thought the figure vanished. I was hoping so much that the shadow had left, I felt like it was a monster who was going to kill me if I haven't moved out of its territory. ``Not speaking? I bet I can guess how long you been in here.`` I was wrong, it is still there.

``...Let's say... a week?`` It said, getting more annoyed at my silence. I decided to speak up.

``..Can you help me get out of here?`` I asked.

``... Why-...`` It started to speak but soon trailed off. The shadow approached closer as I stepped back. ``..Did I do something wrong?`` I asked.

``Why are you here late at night, Mason?`` He said. I recognized the voice as it changed. I collapsed onto the ground, staring at the ground in fear. I was zoning out, losing focus in reality. ``...Please tell me this is a dream...``

``It's not really a dream... unless you can pinch yourself. Which I'm sure you can.`` A light snapped me back into focus. I looked up at Kahlil, who had his phone turned on as a flashlight. ``Come on. I can take you back home if you like.`` He offered.

I teared up, taking his hand as he helps me up. ``I'm sorry. I should have never left the shack.``

``From now on, enter the jungle if you are prepared for its pull.`` He held onto my hand as he leads the way out of the tropical forest. I looked down, learning my lesson after that. ``Or, if you're with me.`` Kahlil added. I'll take your word for it, I'll never go back in here again.


It was Sunday, the next day, as I was silent the entire time. We weren't busy, it was an average period, soon it got quieter. Our co-workers decided to give Mary, my mentor a farewell party. Well, it's not really a party, but at least they get to chat before she disappears tomorrow. I frowned, looking away from the crew. I'll be a replacement for her, I can't be like her, but... I can try to help others.

I only see how they act around Mary, would they act differently around me when she is gone? I am so scared to see what would happen. I stood by my spot in front of the register. It was around evening as I looked up at the few customers we had. They're either chilling or were drinking something they ordered. I looked over where my co-workers were, just sitting by the staff only section. They were just chilling, having a great time. I wondered if I could have people like that around me. Although it'll be challenging to adapt, I'll manage. I looked away from them as I sighed.

``Excuse me?`` I opened my eyes, didn't even realize the door bell rang. I guess I was too distracted. I looked up to greet the customer, but just to see a familiar face, again... from last night. I looked away, getting embarrassed. I breathed in and out, preparing my greeting to the customer. ``Before you say anything, I don't want anything.``

I stared at Kahlil, surprised. ``No, coffee?`` I said. He shook his head no.

``Then what are you doing here?``

``Mason!`` I turned to my mentor's voice. She interrupts my short conversation with my... friend? ``I know we just met, but I do want to say little words before I take off tomorrow. I do hope you will do well in my place, do not start anything negative while I'm not here.``

``I won't, I'm too smart to start anything like that.`` I replied, shaking my head.

``Good. I hope you have a wonderful life and... luck with that lady of yours.`` She winked before walking away. My face turned red with no second to breathe, I stared down at the floor, embarrassed. ``Also, you can go home now, your training shift is up.`` She said while I can barely hear her.

``...Who's the lucky girl?`` Kahlil asked. I looked up at him. ``... I-I'll tell you when I'm out of this filthy Diner.`` I said, turning around and walking in the back to get ready.

I was so scared for tomorrow, my mentor will be gone, and the Diner will be dead without her. Maybe, I can try and make the Diner lively again. I sighed as I waved goodbye to the crew before exiting the Diner. I stood in front as I breathed in and out, letting my stress die down. Everything will be alright, it's just a workplace, nothing can go wrong. I looked around, waiting for someone. ``Over here.`` I snapped to the voice as I saw Kahlil walking up to me.

``You disappear and reappear every time I go missing. I swear it.`` I said.

``I wouldn't use the word "missing." But it is true, you did go missing last night.`` He said chuckling.

``I told my uncles I was going out for a walk.`` I said, staring at him. Beat that.

``And how long you were out for? Three hours for a walk? Man, wasn't the night so beautiful to see?`` He said, staring back at me, reflecting my gaze again.

``...I guess.`` I looked away. Damn, he beat me.

``So, who's the lucky girl?`` He asked the same question from before. We began walking down the sidewalk slowly as I sighed. ``... It's... nothing to worry about really... I mean, I don't even know if... I also have a chance with her... She seems a bit older than I am.`` I said, speaking slowly.

``I still didn't catch her name.`` He said.

``... It's Wendy.`` I said. I began to get flushed again. Damnit! Every time I mentioned her name, I blush. I don't know why. Am I only attracted to her name or something?

``Oh, that Wendy.`` He looked away from me. I looked up at him. ``... do you have something between you guys going on?``

``What'd you care?`` I looked away from him, I had just entered unknown territory. ``Nevermind. So, how's your day.`` I switched topics, hoping to ease the conversation.

``... fine.`` He said, still avoiding look at me. Did I ruin it by asking a personal question?

``... My day was good, still a bit nervous about tomorrow.`` I said, even if he didn't ask for it. ``It's... my first day working at the Diner, and I am so nervous about going in.`` I continued.

I don't even know if he was listening, I was just ranting about how I'm always nervous. It almost felt like I was talking to a brick wall. I sighed, looking over at the walls of the buildings. A news board on a wall caught my attention as I halted in my steps. I walked over to it as I looked a bit closer. I saw a person on a poster, doing magic tricks and whatever magicians do. I saw the date on the poster: July 28th. Four days from now, should I go? Staying in my room won't really help my health.

``Oh, you're looking at the Old Great Gleeful's poster?`` I looked over to the voice of Kahlil, nodding.

``Another one for the newcomers.`` He said, looking down.

``He performs a show for newcomers?`` I asked, getting a bit leary. Why perform just for newcomers? It made no sense.

``Every year he does. Every month, he presents a show for the entire town. Of course, newcomers are found there anyway because of friends and family.`` Kahlil explained, looking back up to me.

``Oh, makes sense. Such a busy boy, he seems to be a bit too young performing.`` I said, looking at the appearance on the poster.

``He does, doesn't he?`` Kahlil said, chuckling. I stared at him, getting weird out by his sudden chuckles. Do I seem funny?

``Yeah, I bet he's young.`` I said, walking away from the poster.

``He is actually.`` I heard my friend follow me.

``How old? If you don't mind me being noisy.`` I said, looking over at him.

``... It's been a while since... I knew what age he is.`` He said, thinking to himself.

``Then I'll say he is younger than we are. Well... I can't be sure about that.`` I said, looking ahead, spotting the dirt path to the shack up ahead.

``Yeah, let's just put it like that.`` He said. We both stop at the entrance of the dirt path. I turned towards him as he began walking away. ``Are you going to the show?`` I asked.

``My parents always force me to go. So, I'm going whether I have a choice or not.`` He answered, halting in his steps.

``... Okay. Goodbye, then.`` I said, walking on the dirt path. Keep on walking, walking all the way to my home. I feel awkward that I ended this conversation. I have no idea why I feel uncomfortable, I just do. He doesn't seem like a bad guy, although it is weird he laughed a bit at my responses... I don't know what he means by that, probably not necessary.


My first day of work started today, I am excited to be finally working, but also scared to see what will happen. It was 10:30 AM as I was getting ready. Uncle Ford told me to eat breakfast before I left. I nodded as I continued getting ready. I went down the stairs and met up with my other uncle, sitting at the table in the dining room, drinking his coffee. I sat down and began to eat my bacon and eggs. Not scrambled but cooked as if the egg was spilled on the plate.

``It'll be ashamed if you leave the position open.`` I heard Uncle Stan begin to say. I looked up at him as I gulped my food down. ``..I decided already, there's nothing you can do to change my mind.`` I said, looking back down at my breakfast to take another bite.

``It was worth a try. You'll be forever my enemy.`` I hear him say before he left the room. Why would I be your enemy forever? Are we still family, right? I thought before finishing my meal. I put my plate in the sink as Uncle Ford asked if I was ready. I followed him out of the shack and into Uncle Stan's car. He doesn't have his own yet, I'm sure he will soon.

``I hope you have a good day at work, Dipper.`` Uncle Ford said as I nodded before closing the car door. I turned and walked into Greasy's Diner. There's no turning back now, Dipper this is where it begins.

I was two hours into my work shift, and I was doing alright so far. I'd been taking orders correctly and serving their requests. I thought I would mess up on the first day, I guess not. That left just my co-workers that I'd been worrying about since yesterday. Phyllida greeted me with kindness, which I accepted. James and Chris were giving me weird looks. I don't know why. I haven't done anything wrong, I wonder what's their problem.

The time started to slow down as customers weren't coming in frequently. Only a few now and then would enter; after that, it was just long periods of waiting for another person to come in. It is currently 2:45 PM, late afternoon. I was standing by my register, always in front of the door entrance. I wished I wasn't assigned here, at least assign somewhere other than the door position. I heard footsteps approach me as I look over. It was my co-workers, James and Chris.

``Is there something up?`` I asked, standing up straight, giving them my full attention.

``... There is... somethings been bothering us as you can see.`` James started to speak.

``Yeah, giving me unfriendly looks.`` I looked away from them.

``It's nothing like that. It's just that you were out with that teen yesterday.`` Chris took over, shushing his friend.

``And... is that a forbidden step? A prohibited move to make in this mess?`` I asked, leaning on the counter now. I was getting a bit annoyed at these two. Don't tell me they're going to convince me to not spend time with him, it's not like it's crucial right now. We'll be simple, and then we'll get bored with each other, it'll go back to just me.

``It's clearly, but you do what you do. You'll only get yourself hurt.`` Chris said.

``Like, he injured an old lady the other day.`` James said.

``... He.. did what?`` I look back over to them.

``Yeah, he purposely tripped over an old lady. I saw some nearby people help her up. We swore we would give him the same pain as she suffers.`` James explained, being dramatic about it. His friend agreed with him as I looked annoyed. They have the minds of a teenager, I thought they were supposed to be adults, not my age.

``You don't believe us?`` Chris said, his facial expression turning from cheerful to mad.

``I do agree with him and me barely knowing each other, but why would I believe your white lies? You're supposed to act older than I am, not act like a stupid three-year-old.`` I hissed, glaring at them in disappointment.

The two turned a bit defensive, Chris just looking like he could take me down at any moment. I do believe he is stronger than I am, but I am not going to waste a fight here, not on my first day. ``You'll regret this, Mason.`` Chris said as he and his friend turned away and walk off.

``Oh no, I won't.`` I said, looking back at the register. Soon the pace picked up, more customers beginning to come in as we were working our butts off. As I was carrying a tray of drinks, one of my co-workers bumped into my shoulder, knocking me off balance and spilling the plastic cups on the floor. I turn and glare at Chris, who was smirking at me. I turned away and quickly found the mop to clean up the mess. Stupid little brat.

I had to redo the drinks and make sure I walked carefully with them. The folks weren't happy that they had to wait. if I wasn't there in time, they would have already up and left this place. I sighed in annoyance as I walked back into the work area. I was shoved out of the way by James as he was delivering food to the other customers. He could have asked instead of pushing me out of the way, I felt like was I'm getting attacked. I went over to get the next order and I flinched at an aura that I felt behind me. ``I'm sorry, Mason!`` I hear Phyllida's voice. It's just her, that's fine, don't know why I'm getting all work up already.

``It's alright, Phyllida.`` I replied back, reading the order as I turned to complete its list. It was about 4:30 PM when the service started to slow down once more. I was serving the last request to our two customers. I looked up to see Phyllida chatting with James on the other side of the Diner. I sighed as Gregg gave me the last food on the tray. I pick up the tray of drinks and food and I carried it over to the table. I left them to their meal as I walk back to my position.

I was pulled over by Chris, shaking his hands off of me. ``What is it?`` I said, glaring at him.

``That was not your job. You're supposed to stand here in front of the register and wait until the waitress carries the food out.`` Chris said, giving me death glares.

``Well, I am sorry. Our "waitress" is too busy being a you-know.`` I said, giving him an attitude. I didn't realize how dark the Diner was, there were lights inside the building, but it was raining so hard out there.

``Why you-`` He began to speak before I stopped him right there.

``Besides, it's already been done, stop complaining about it.`` I move my arms behind my back, holding my hands together.

``It's still not your job!`` He said, raising his voice.

``I don't care; if no one is available, I'll serve them again. Let's not argue about this.`` I said. Chris looked like he was about to say something until Gregg step in. ``Leave the young lad alone.`` My older co-worker huffed and stormed off. I sighed in relief, thanking the Cook for his help. He grunted, but accepted the thanks anyways. I frowned, walking back to my position in front of my register. I am starting to regret this... friendly... approach towards my co-workers...

.

The sky stops crying hard, but it was still raining down averagely. I sighed; I had just got off from work, and a lot is going on in my head right now. I'm glad I brought a jacket today with a hoodie, too bad it'll get wet. I had the hoodie cover my head as my bag was on my back. I slowly walked home without even calling a ride. I stared down at the wet sidewalk, thinking to myself quiet.

The sound of wet footsteps snapped me back into focus, I looked up to see Kahlil walking beside me with an annoyed expression. ``Didn't you hear me call your name?``

``... No, I'm sorry.`` I quietly said, looking away from him. I was too busy talking to myself in my head.

``Is there something wrong? How did your first job went?`` He asked. Oh, I don't want to go there now, it's been... rough.

``...Something on the lines of... I regretted this choice.`` I said, staring at the sidewalk as I walked. I hear him snicker, I look over and got a bit irritated. ``It's not nice when your co-workers ruin your job on the first day. I'm sure you don't know what it feels like.`` I said.

``Oh, I know those first days can be worse. it'll soon lighten up once you get used to it.`` He said, looking ahead while the rain drip on his hair.

I stayed quiet, looked away from him now. I started to think about what my ex-mentor said. 'I do hope you will do well in my place.' I recalled what she said yesterday. I didn't really think about it back there, but now with everything... I feel like the pressure is building up inside of me, making me feel like I have nowhere to go, not to mention I got attacked today. My life is not looking so good in the process, I wish I could reset it all with just a push of a button.

``Is there something on your mind? You're awfully quiet.`` My friend's voice snaps me out of my thoughts. I look up from the sidewalk and back over to his concerned facial expression. ``It's nothing, just something that pops up earlier.``

``Like what?`` He asked, speaking in a playful manner.

``...Um..`` I looked away from him to think about an excuse for that issue.

``Is it what that lady said yesterday?`` He guessed. I slowly looked over to him, looking surprised. ``I was still sitting there, listening to your conversation, you know. Is it how you will make the other people happy and such?`` He guessed once more.

I slowly nodded. I can't make up an excuse when Kahlil keeps guessing correctly. ``I feel... a heavy weight on me, a pressure of responsibility. I feel like everyone is wary of me, always... aggressive every time I take a step... except for one... but she's too blind to see the truth.`` I said, staring at the wet sidewalk once more.

``Time will go on, you'll soon make friends with them, and soon they'll get used to you being there. I'm sure you'll get out of that range.`` He said. I slowly nodded, feeling a little better, at least.

``Thank you.`` I said, looking up at him. He smiles, ``You're welcome.``

End of Chapter 2


I hope this new chapter version was better.