Stories tagged “debt”

  • Crime and Punishment

    Mitch was down a thousand dollars. He was ready to just walk out. But the stern eyes of the Sheriff glued him to his seat. He was sure the deck was stacked against him. “What’cha got boy?” the Sheriff sneered, he took a swig of his br...

  • Ways to Make Money Fast

    Mitch was trying to figure out how to get eight thousand dollars together without his father knowing. He could call in a few favors, but even if they all cashed in, he’d only have about a thousand. He could rob a store or gas station, but they pr...

  • Finding Duane

    Mitch went low key, riding his bike all over town. He waved at the old men in front of Lucy’s Diner. He helped a kid return his library book in the oversized return bin. He casually checked every alley around town. He finally saw a black Lexus pa...

  • Employing Himself

    “Look, I’m in deep. I need a lot of money, and I need it quick. I came to you because I heard you deal in this kind of thing.” “Deal? You heard what exactly?” This was an interview, and Mitch did not want to mess this up. ...

  • Acting Normal

    Mitch stormed out of the Arnold’s farm house. He pedaled off fast, spitting gravel behind his tires, leaving the whole mess in the dust. One thing was certain, JoAnn was pregnant. He still didn’t know if she was keeping it, but he wasn̵...

  • The First Customer

    At 9:30 Duane stopped at the corner of Cypress and 6th where Mitch was waiting in an oversized hooded sweatshirt. He climbed in the car. “Dude, lose the hood. You look like a dealer! You trying to get yourself arrested?” “Sorry,”...

  • Surprise Customer

    Mitch heard the scuffle of shoes and he stiffened, ready for his next customer. He stayed in the shadows though, in case it wasn’t a customer. The footsteps stopped and there was an eerie silence before the man spoke. “I’m here for th...

  • Misery Loves Company

    Mitch desperately wanted his hoodie back. He couldn’t deal anymore tonight. His eyes were full of tears and he just ran home. He ran past the part where his legs screamed in protest. He ran past the part where his lungs threatened to come out of ...

  • Liberated

    Mitch took his earnings to the Sheriff at the back of Mark’s Pub the next night. He was planning on begging. “So, you got my money! I knew you could do it! And i didn’t hear a peep from Daddy.” He took a swig from his mug. ̶...

  • Repayment

    A bed of Shimeji mushrooms was a perfect place to rest at the end of the day. The tops rolled like clouds across the ground, a nap here could melt anybody’s troubles away. But here I came, came running, and I squeezed down between the stalks befo...