After a few hours of constant attacks on the public, I've reached a small fortune of 8 drop coins and not a single snack to spare. They all disappeared, sadly.

  I've heard five loud beeps, meaning it's past 5. My shoes and trousers are filthy, and I'll never be let into the bar like this. They care far too much about their pristine red carpet.

  I drag myself along to a small hole-in-the-wall shop with drapers for windows. The front is dirty, with large slanted letters that say "CLEAN SOUL CLEAN THOUGHT".

  A few letters light up lightly, clearly showing the steel battery has to be replaced a month ago.

  I walk through the creaky door, moving a piece of wood out the way as I see a familiar scene:

  An old man sitting at a desk alone, reading the back of a book.

  A boy, younger than me sitting at the front desk

  Bubbly water spilled all over the floor, with a wet cat laying in it.

  "Hey Raph!" The younger guy says.

  "Hey Brall. I need my shoes cleaned"

  "I see that" Brall responds, staring at me questioningly.

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  "Why you need them cleaned? What are you planning?"

  Stumbling across the wet floor, I carefully step towards the front desk.

  "Nothing. Earned a few coins is all"

  "Huh. So you're here to get them cleaned quickly for a cost for no reason?"

  "No reason."

  We stare at each other, as I watch his face falter and give in.

  "I already had 4 customers today. I'm out"

  "You say that everyday. I know you still got a little."

  "It'll cost you d-"

  "Double? Fine. You might as well make that the flat price" I say, slapping two drop coins on the hard counter. My stomach growls.

  "Half." Says the older man, still reading his book. Brall sighs, as he flicks one of the coins towards him. It seems to disappear the moment it reaches grabbing distance. As if it never existed at all.

  "That's why I charge double. My... Security takes half."

  "I know, but it's also not my issue."

  Brall pouts slightly, " come on Raph, you know I can't do what you guys do. My body isn't built for it."

  "It could have been. Now, shoes and trousers?"

  Brall stares at me, a slightly hateful look in his eyes as he comes out from behind the counter - showing his partial wooden leg.

  I stand there, as he crouches down and whispers a few words.

  The bubbly water surrounds my legs, swirling for a few seconds, before dispersing once more - creating a splash the cat did not appreciate as Trubbie hisses and runs out.

  "Oh come on, Trubbie!"

  "Happens"

  Brall stands, as our height difference shows. I'm not tall, but Brall stands at shoulder height. Slightly slanted, his partial fake leg doesn't grow anymore.

  "Just... Go Raph. Please, just leave."

  At this, I feel a slight pain in my throat but my face doesn't betray me. It's stone-cold, as I turn around and leave.

  I never glanced at that older guy, or the dagger he had behind his book. The one he was waiting to threaten me with.

  Sometimes, overconfidence is key to keeping whatever you managed to scrape together today.

  How was it?