When I arrived at work today, my co-worker Rasmus left almost right after to go to some pool party with his friends and get drunk, saying that "losers" like me weren't invited. How immature. Who knows what kind of people he hangs out and how he's like when he's drunk...

At least I would get spared from his bullying, criticism, and belittlement for a day.

While working, I had overheard something on the radio. apparently, there's an unknown serial killer who has already killed 12 people in just two weeks, murdering and dismembering them. It made me sick to my stomach...The city already has a high crime rate. But I tried not to think too much about it and continued on with the work day.

Soon, it was dark out and there were barely any customers coming in. I lean against the counter, cheek resting on my hand...Lost in thought, I drum my fingers on the counter while a sudden memory starts playing in my head: I see my friends from school who had gifted me a drum set for my birthday and taught me how to play. Like all teens, we had the dream of becoming a famous band. Feeling nostalgic, take two candy canes from a box and start hitting on various items to create some funny beats. I've been told that I was a good listener, had a good sense of rhythm and timing, so teenage me practiced for years to become one of the best drummers one day.

But like so many other things in our lives...These dreams didn't last.

I looked up and jumped when I suddenly saw the tall, red and white haired man in front of me. I gasped and dropped the two candy canes in surprise.

"Oh God– You startled me..." How did I not notice him? And why didn't I hear the store bell? Have I been that deep in thought?