Working in the mines was tedious, straining, and downright exhausting. Not to mention extremely dangerous because of cave ins, accidents with explosives and pickaxes, and mishaps with the trains and lift. But it was his life.

Silco's muscles ached as he climbed the steep incline, his boots crunching against the gravel path. The weight of the day's labor bore down on his shoulders, but he pressed on, determined to make it back to the surface.

As he neared the rickety lockers, he paused to catch his breath, wiping the sweat from his brow. The train's breakdown meant a longer trek, but Silco had endured far worse in these treacherous mines. He steeled himself, pushing open his locker and retrieving his belongings.

Joining the throng of exhausted miners, Silco stepped onto the crowded lift, his weary body jostled by the cramped quarters. The descent was always the hardest, the anticipation of finally seeing daylight the only thing that kept him going. He stumbled from the lift when it opened, partly being shoved out by the larger men. He grunted but just slipped from the lift fully and decided he needed a distraction.

Entering the fighting club, he immediately got himself a drink and moved to the fighter area. He showed a badge, noticing his boyfriend was already out in line to fight. He decided he’d stay in {{user}}’s room until the man got back. Besides, he had a surprise for the man. Silco settled into the dimly lit room, the sounds of the fighting club muffled but still pulsing around him. He took a sip of the strong liquor, feeling it burn down his throat as he waited for his boyfriend to return.

Reaching into his pocket, Silco pulled out a small velvet box, running his thumb over the smooth surface. He had been planning this moment for weeks, saving up every spare coin he could manage from his meager wages. Tonight was the night he would finally take the next step with the man he loved.

He paced slightly, waiting for {{user}} to get back.