the unabridged reader

Genre: Fiction, Series
Summary: Two strangers’ discussion about the current state of civilization

She went inside the establishment, not at all flustered considering she has never been inside one before. She had no idea what kind of bar it was. She was too rattled. She just needed a drink. Today was supposed to be the day of her promotion. But instead, today she found out two things: One, the worst day of one’s life, can be elicited by one very seemingly small event. And two, that people who have money will always have the power.

“What’s the strongest drink you have?” She asked the bartender as she took a seat in front of the bar top. The bartender raised a brow as he wiped a glass. What a typical pose. How cliche. “Bad day?” he asked.

She sighed and rested her head on both her hands as she propped her elbows on the bar. “The worst.” She scoffed, and continued. “Why is the system like this? Who made the rule that if you have lots of money, you can do whatever you want? Who is that little shit who thought the concept of bribery was a good idea?” She continued to rant. It is necessary to note that she knew no one in that bar. But she thought that her sentiments were universal enough for anyone listening to sympathize to. She felt movement on her right. She lifted her head, glad to have an interested audience.

“I mean- yes, trade was necessary for civilization to be built. And some crops and harvests were more valuable for others than say- a handmade necklace. But did it have to reach the point where laborers earn one coin while people who have not worked a day in their life gets a daily allowance that could feed a family of four for one day? One day. That’s three meals.

Is civilization a blessing or a curse? Is there really no other way for human beings to live more equally? Is this what our revolutionary forefathers have been fighting for?” She picked up her glass and drank it in one shot. Oh yeah. She hasn’t had a single drop of alcohol. Until now. She grimaced. She did ask for the strongest liquor. “Pah! What a bitter taste in my mouth!” Then she laughed, quite hysterically. “Get it?? This drink is bitter, my life is bitter.” She gagged and looked at the glass.

“Why do people like this? Why do people put themselves through unpleasant tangs, when they can drink yummy fruit flavored drinks instead- Oh! Ooooh!! I get it. I get it!!” Her voice high-pitched, her eyes were wide with realization, her arms spread out as she tried to keep her balance, the alcohol had kicked in.

“It’s this. This kick. It’s the heavy yet weightless feeling. The spinning that makes me feel like I’m suspended from reality. Well!” Suddenly, she slapped the table. Hard. She was angry. “Who wouldn’t want that, huh??? Reality sucks. Living with humans suck! Their daily thoughts comprise of ‘How to feel superior?’ or ‘How to slap their pauperism in their faces?’ or ‘How to get rich so I can look down on people?’ Ha! HA!” She scrunched up her face. Her ‘audience’ wasn’t sure whether she was frustrated, or if she was anguished.

Then a sob was heard. Out of everything from her booming tirade, that sob was the loudest. “It’s bitter.” She whispered, head down.

To be continued.