We both know it’s coming. You’re not crazy.

“Shut up! Fuck, I died again.”

The world is changing. Changing for the better.

“Fucking hell dude, just shut up. Let me insta this guy real quick.”

“Damnit, died again.”

“My team sucks. They lost me the game.”

This is a warning once more. Be ready when the time comes.

“Fucking shut up already.”

Ray took one last look at his gray screen as the nexus exploded. He sighed, then clicked to the next screen. Ray pounded his desk after a notification showed up.

Another fucking demotion.

There was only time enough to do one thing.

[You’r a fkn retard if you think you can blink into five people and somehow win us the game. How the fuck are you even in my game, you piece of shit d2 trash can of a player. My eyes are burning you fktard. Do urself a favor and kys you cancerous piece of shit.]

Ray sat back and breathed in and out heavily. His degenerate teammate just threw the game, demoting him back down to diamond. He watched as more text flew by the screen. Obviously the brain dead idiot didn’t realize that he threw.

[Your 0-8. U can’t talk shit, u did nothing all game]

[Yea go fuck urself Ray.]

How are they taking his side? Can’t they realize they were fucking plebeians too?

[How the fuk do you give fb to my lane as bunu? U trolled me from the start u fuck]

Another game of unskilled teammates. Ray blamed matchmaking for this. He always got unlucky.

Change... is coming.

“SHUT UP!” Ray lost his cool and shouted. He wasn’t going crazy.

Be ready. Time is turning.

“Raymond?” There was a knock at the door. “Are you okay?”

“Uhhhh, yes mom, was just playing with some friends.” Ray quieted down and turned to the door.

“Well keep it down, will you? I’m trying to get caught up on some work,” his mom replied.

Work as usual.

“Sorry, mom.”

“Isn’t it time for work?” His mom changed the subject to work.

“Ummm, yeah just getting ready now.” Ray flew into action. He threw on some clothes and prepared to head out.

He worked part time at a local noodles shop. Ray was the filler. He worked all roles in the shop.

Work was fine, he didn’t mind it much. It didn’t get that busy, so his job was never too difficult. His family didn’t really need the money, but the busy work was just something his parents came up with to make him spend less time gaming.

Honestly, it was still like a game.

“Order coming for Pat, with a side of sauce. Make sure you get that on the side.” Ron told him from the front.

“Will do, thanks,” replied Ray. His hands flew over the pan in a clean motion. In one fell swoop he turned on the fire and started flipping.

Change...

“Another order for Christine, wants extra broccoli,” Ron yelled back.

“I got it,” Terry instantly reacted. Ray glanced at her as she smoothly went to boil the noodles. Maybe for a little too long.

The sizzle in the pan grew louder as he realized he was burning the noodles. “Oh shit,” Ray thought as he fumbled the pan and almost lost hold of it.

The world isn’t ready. But you can be.

Hours flew by as closing time came quickly. Ray noticed that there weren’t that many customers today. It was an unusually slow sunday. But it was okay. Business wasn’t that good as of late. Ray didn’t mind, it just meant less work for him to do.

“Bye, bye, bye, bye,” Ron pointed at the various employees aside from Ray. The general manager always closed. Ray would join him today.

Ray got to work.

After a while, the shop was looking a lot cleaner. Ray found Ron sitting at his desk. “Am I good to go?” Ray asked. All the work was done.

“Hey Ray, stay for a sec?” Ron said. His large boss turned to face him. It wasn’t really a question.

“Oh, uh, sure.” Ray didn’t know what this was about.

“Have a seat.” Ray took the seat facing across the desk. His mind raced as he grew nervous.

Was it a performance review or something? Those were supposed to be next Tuesday right? Was it about sales? Or his work today? Ray thought through all the possibilities. Surely not sexual harassment...right? Ray denied that line. Just looking at Terry sometimes wouldn’t constitute as sexual harassment for sure.

“You’ve been distracted at work recently. I’ve noticed.” Ron nodded at him, like he understood. “I’m the same way.”

Ray raised his eyebrows. Could it be? Ray also hears the voice? He leaned forward and opened his eyes wide as he prepared to explain. “I...”

Ron cut him off.

“There’s no need to. I understand completely.” More nods of his large head. “I meant that I was once your age too. Terry’s plenty attractive.”

“You know, if you’d like I can set you two up with a company sponsored trip. Call it... Good performance rewards. I’ll have it so that you two are tied for employee of the month and give you two tickets to that upcoming Warriors game.”

Ray’s mouth fell open. This was extremely unexpected.

“Uhhh...” Was all Ray could manage.

“No need to thank me. You’ve been working hard the past year. Well, better than any other employee I currently have, at least.” Ron waved his hand, like he was waiving a ‘thank you’. He reached under his desk and grabbed the something and handed it over the desk.

Ray grabbed it, still shocked inside.

Changing for the better.

“Here you go, it’s set for next Friday night. I hope you’re free,” Ron gave him another knowing smile as he stood up. “It’s Monday now, so you have some time.”

“Thank you so much,” Ray told his manager as he stood up with him.

“No problem, and good luck man,” Ron reached out his hand.

Ray shook his hand with a wry smile. Ron was a good guy.

Time is turning.

He waved at Ron on his way out.