After my final day at work, I took my last walk home. I went alone of course. Raphie had her day off doing community service.

For once, it was a relaxing day at work. It wasn’t too busy so the day went by smoothly. I spent most of the day just stocking up the products on the shelf at every aisle.

There was a couple of elderly shopping at the grocery store so I got to help them out. There was this kid who kept knocking down items from the shelves so I had to chase after the mess he left behind. Soon after I tracked him down and scolded him. His mother wasn’t too happy about it. But since it was my last day, my manager didn’t say too much about it.

Rick the manager praised me for being a model worker. He’ll probably miss me the most since it’ll be hard to meet him ever again. Rick had many stories to tell in my last week of work. From the different employees he has met over the years to weird customers. He made my experience at the grocery store a pleasant one. Even though he did all the talking, I had many conversations with the guy.

I think he’ll miss me the most. He even begged me to stay for a while longer. I wish I could’ve but I’ve been exhausted from working for the first time ever. I didn’t plan to stay for this long. I felt kind of bad for leaving but I have no regrets.

I would give thanks to Alex, my co-worker, for helping me figure stuff out. Without him, I would be lost on what to do. At first, he did all the work with me but now I was able to do it all on my own. And even after that, we got to hang out a bit during our break time. I won’t regret not being able to see him on the last day since I’ll have plenty of chances to meet him at school.

But I would give most of my thanks to Raphie. For giving me the job and being there with me most of the time.

I continued my walk home. The familiar orange sky was comforting to watch. It was a familiar route home that I will always see in the future but it was the last walk I would take from the grocery store as an employee.

By the time I finished with these thoughts, I found myself by the park. I decided I would go to the church by myself for the first time. I thought I would finish this final ritual by visiting the church.

My eyes adjusted from the brightness outside as I walked inside the dark church. There weren’t as many people as there usually was. Everyone was either sitting or kneeling in the pews up front.

From one of the benches, someone came to greet me.

“Hello, David.”

It was a familiar face. And only that. Since she was wearing a nun outfit that covered everything but her face. It was the same woman I’ve seen almost every time I’ve visited this place with Raphie. This thirty-something year old woman was always a pleasure to talk with.

“Hello, Phoebe.”

“You come here with your friend?”

“Oh no. I just thought I visit here on my own this time.”

“Is that so.”

I sat down on the same bench far in the back with Phoebe. And along with all the other visitors of the church, Phoebe prayed. She didn’t kneel though. I found it strange but I guess she didn’t want to look weird with me.

I didn’t come here like Raphie to pray. I came here for the silence. Maybe talking to myself was my own little prayer.

“What’s the occasion for coming over?”

“It’s my last day working at this grocery store.”

“Ah, I see. So you won’t be stopping by here anymore?”

“Maybe not as often.”

“That’s too bad then.”

The nun had a sad look on her face.

“If it helps, just know that you’re always welcome.”

“I know that.”

Because of Phoebe, I always felt welcome.

“Did you figure out the problem with your friends?”

“Well… I didn’t do anything myself.”

“But you still helped out didn’t you?”

“I guess I did.”

“I’m glad someone like you is around. You seem to be a nice person who cares about others.”

Not really. It was my curiosity that meddled with Raphie and Lucy’s problem. But to be praised felt great.

Phoebe and I sat in the church filled with silence. There was no noise or any big disturbances. When I close my eyes and meditated, I could hear every little sound. From a little sniffle to every little footstep that echoed throughout the church.

This was my prayer. A simple meditation to relax. Maybe I should do this more often. It felt so comfortable here. I may not be religious but this church was a second home to me.

“Are you praying?” Phoebe asked me.

“No, It’s just so peaceful. I could fall asleep sitting here.”

“Yes, it is.”

“What do you pray for? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“I pray for many things. For the well being of the people who come here to pray. For those who work hard to make a living. For those who are not fortunate enough during this summer.”

“People like me right?”

“Of course.”

“The unfortunate, I mean,” I joked.

I remembered the incident that happened over a month ago. It was the most unfortunate incident anyone can ever experience. At least I’m back now. That’s something I can be thankful for.

“I wouldn’t say that.”

I laughed a little bit. It was almost loud enough to echo throughout the church. I was embarrassed I admit.

“I pray for those who are fortunate too.”

“Why? They don’t need anything.”

“Everyone needs something. People are never complete beings. We always need more.”

“What about greedy people. They have enough, they never share to those in need.”

“I didn’t mean that.”

“I know…”

I adjusted myself where I sat. I got more comfortable and looked up at the ceiling.

“To pray those who are fortunate. Maybe they’re not fortunate after all.”

“You get the idea.”

“We’re not complete. There’s always something we need. For you, its faith isn’t it?”

“Why yes.”

Phoebe looked surprised.

It shouldn’t be difficult to guess about a woman of faith.

“Well, Phoebe. I better get going now.”

“Oh, so soon?”

“Yeah, I’ll see you another time then.”

“I’ll always pray for you.”

I waved goodbye and was on my way.

I continued my walk home. It wasn’t as hot as it used to be. I could feel the heat dying down. I was looking forward to much cooler weather.

A ball rolled by the sidewalk. I was still at the park. A bunch of kids was playing. I kicked the ball back and they continued to play happily.

I think they’ve been kicking around the ball all summer. That was something I noticed whenever I walked home almost every day.

I wondered if I spent my summer well.

All I ever did for most summers was lie down and did nothing all day. Maybe I’ll read a bit or play some video games. I was just some lazy shut-in after all.

But this summer changed it all. I got to meet the devil. Her sister got me a job. And I got to meet all sorts of people.

I’m glad to have met all sorts of new people in the past few months. Raphie, Alex, Rick, Phoebe. Those people really helped me out. Even the annoying ones, like Lucy and Colin.

So this summer wasn’t a complete waste after all.

As I got home, I opened the door to find a surprise.

There was no one home.

And for once I was glad. No matter how bittersweet it felt.

I walk in and put my keys down on the computer desk and fell on top of my bed. There was an unfamiliar scent. It wasn’t my own. It has been so long since I last had a bed to myself.

It completely silent. Without a single noise or disturbance. Not a soul in sight. A room without company.

I must have been used to the idea of company. Even if it was only over a month that I had company. I lived for years alone and yet, for the first time, it felt like something I wasn’t used to again.

Maybe, just for good time's sake, I should get some company again.

Not.

It feels great to be alone. Solitude is the best!

While spending time with another person can be a good time killer, nothing beats the time spent alone!

And best of all, nothing to stress me out for the remaining days of my summer.

Ah, this feels great.

I was completely relaxed. Nothing could ever get me off this bed again.

And don’t think I’ll repeat the same mistake as before. No way I’m going to die ever again.

I’ve learned my lesson. And I learned new tricks too. I’ve ascended beyond just a useless shut-in freeloader. Mainly because of my fear of dying again, I can now take better care of myself.

Nothing can stop me now!

But a knock on my door disturbed my euphoria. I turned my head without moving my body from the bed.

Oh, I forgot to lock my door. Out from the door, in came a familiar devil.

“Wait, what are you doing here?!”

“Hm? Raphie was away so I got bored.”

“I mean, why are are you here at all?!”

“Just because I live next door now doesn’t mean I’m gone forever you know.”

Lucy chuckled out loud. It was devilish laugh.

I felt a sweat go down my forehead. It was then I knew that even though my summer days has ended, my life with the devil wasn’t over.