Too Poor To Rob

I leaned my head against the door to my apartment, feeling the cool surface just briefly.

I was so tired and what awaited me on the other side wouldn't help at all.

I exhaled, already able to picture it, already feeling my emptier stomach growl. An empty room, an empty fridge. I hadn't expected to start my first year of college in what could pass for a jail cell, but it had been all I could afford under the circumstances.

I grimaced, no, no need to bring up that nightmare that I'd escaped from to mind now.

Reluctantly I slid the key into place, unlocking the shabby door.

I walked in, unafraid of the darkness. I had no chairs or tables to worry about running into here.

I didn't switch on the lights, the electricity bill in this place already had screwed me over. No need to use it more than I had to. I pulled out my phone, flicking on the light there. I tossed my school bag to the far wall, already turning for the sink to get some lackluster water.

"You actually live here?"

Startled, I spun around, light flashing across the masked figure of a man, a gun in one hand a bag in the other.

"Because I came here to rob you but, dude. You have literally nothing."

I exhaled, rubbing a hand across my eyes. "Thanks for making me feel worse." I muttered, eying the gun. "Just my luck too I came in while you were here."

The figure chuckled, waving me off, as he stuffed the gun in the bag. "Wait here. I'll be right back." He said tilting his head in a nod, and darted out the door.

My hand lowered slowly, the light shining a lonely circle on the floor. Wait. What?

-Inspiration from a Tumblr post