Casual Tuesday
Another day at large
After a taxing graveyard shift, Aisha just wanted to go home and crawl in bed. Keeping his eyes open on the drive home was becoming challenging. A hefty pull on his cigarette would get him through another 5 seconds. He knew where he was on the road at all times, a sixth sense and skill that became second nature. Aisha was a sleep-driving pro, he had a calm symmetry with the road which allowed him to rest his eyes for a few seconds at a time between blinks. He knew he'd make it now. Nothing was going to stand in his way of a hot shower and comfortable bed both of which were calling his name. He put his foot on the gas after pulling his eyes open.
"Just a few more minutes" He thought to himself.
The sudden joy of knowing he was so close to the best part of his day was enough of a stir to jog him awake for the last few minutes of his travels.
He finally arrived to the place he'd come to call home. It wasn't a place he could call his own. There were expectations of him. He couldn't take advantage if he wanted to. He wasn't one to complain though, he kept to himself. He only had to take care of himself. The door opened and he strolled into the flop house like he owned the place.
Mama Sahn was always up super early, she ran a tight ship. She held all the expectations and all Aisha ever did was deliver. He wasn't the only one. Mama sahn will have a wonderful retirement one of these days after what she's put up from renting these rooms all these years. She's worked hard for it, he couldn't blame her for being stiff. Folks are quick to mistake a kindness for weakness. This day and age you had to mean business or you weren't getting very far. Mama sahn meant business and had business all over town. Her hands were tied up in everything. From gambling and drug rackets to whores and theater. You'd be lucky to know Mama sahn. She never forgets.
Her home was cozy. A 2 story house with a 17 foot ceiling on the first floor and 2 bedrooms,the second floor remodeled and 7 rooms made for housing the lucky few she let reside with her. Only Aisha and Mama Sahn stayed on the first floor. The kitchen had 3 refrigerators and a pantry for food.
"It's your turn to mow" she said as he walked into the living room.
She sat on the floor with her legs crossed looking down into her coffee with a stern look on her face. She reached out and grabbed the local newspaper from her Japanese style floor table and began skimming the front page.
"Of course, I was just about to start. I hadn't forgotten." He lied. He held back a wince as he realized he'd have to tough it out a bit longer before he could finally retire for the day.
"Good." She said
"I'm making breakfast in a bit, ill throw something on for you."
Ok, I'll surely work up an appetite. So thanks." He said
He didn't waste anymore time, he went about his chore as quickly as possible