Reluctant Warrior

As Jack re-filled a few cups for some customers, handed them out to each individual, and watched them walk away he sighed inwardly and thought, "Just another day in paradise...". All of a sudden, as he leaned against the wall thinking to himself, he heard someone clearing their throat beside him and then saying, "Daydreaming again Jack?" He turned, expecting to see his boss but instead he saw his best friend and co-worker, Nicholas. Though he preferred to be called, 'Nick'. Jack gave him an embarrassed smile and said, "Nick. Man am I glad it's only you. Thought the boss had caught me wool-gathering..." Nick gave a lopsided grin and responded, "He just might one of these days! What has you moping about like this?" Jack sighed and looked up at the ceiling overhead, his hands in his pockets, and quietly said, "I dunno. I just feel...Ah it will sound crazy..." Nick nodded, smiled understandingly, and said, "You're stir crazy man. It's natural at our age when we stay in a job like this for a while." Jack shrugged and replied, "Maybe. I just feel like there's more to life than just working at a shop like this..." Nick nodded sagely and put a hand on Jack's shoulder saying, "Not for average Joes like you and me my friend. For us, this is all we can have, at least, with our kind of 'training'. Anyway, we had best get back to work before the boss catches us slacking off." And as they were about to turn back they heard someone from behind them saying, "Yeah you should. Otherwise you will find yourselves looking for new jobs." Jack and nick turned around to see their boss behind them with his arms crossed, and a SCARY scowl on his face. He then extended one hand, pointing towards the counter where a line of people were standing waiting to order and said three words, "Hop to it!" Jack and Nick sprang to work. And the day continued on as any other average workday did.

*3 Hrs later...*

Jack walked down the street, his green backpack slung over his shoulder. As he passed through the neighborhood that was just next to his he wondered at how all the buildings he passed always were always completely spotless and gleaming. Each of the shops having shining displays and fancy furniture. But then he arrives at the edge of his block. Compared to the neighborhood he had been in before, his was in much, much worse condition. It was full of dilapidated and run-down buildings with boards over the windows and graffiti tags sprayed across the walls on every building straight to the end of the street. There were bits of trash in the gutters, and the sidewalks was cracked, and had stalks of grass growing through the cracks. As he approached the door to his apartment building he muttered, "Home sweet home..." He then unlocked the door and re-locked it behind him. As he walked up the stairs to his floor he heard the normal noises of the building around him, People yelling and arguing in some rooms, Rock music blaring from others. After a few more moments of walking he finally arrived at his floor. He entered his apartment, Setting down his backpack on his sofa he sat down, pulled a blanket over him, and leaned back on the plush seat with a weary sigh of relief. Yet another day in the life of an average Joe... just like always...