The Decision

Silence fell as night brought a collective sigh from the busy day. With a full belly after the meal with Summi, I made my way home alongside a favorite path beside a local lakelet. Between the slow breath of disturbed tree leaves and the rippling waters, my ears found only the rhythmic taps of my shoes propelling me forward. Only the briefest of nods were cast in my direction.

If we do not receive a reply within seventy-two hours, we will assume a negative response and refrain from contacting you again.

A twist of my wrist put the time at twenty to ten. A little over two hours until the deadline.

So, do I take it, or leave it? My hand begged for heat from my pocket, and a sigh left my lungs. The night darkened as a cloud swallowed the last bit of moon I'd see for the evening. Rain was a worry, but not an imminent one. It'd have some time.

A few more steps brought the solitary bench into view. I sat down when the railing came into reach, hoping its concrete seat would bring some solace.

Take it, or leave it.

The water didn't answer. Neither did the wind, the clouds, the moon, nor the rustling bushes to my right. Was a rat making its bed? No, rats are nocturnal. Maybe it woke up, ready to add its flavor of notes to the silence. Maybe he had some answers. I'd ask, if he didn't run over my foot. That would end in a trip into the lake.

Take it, leave it.

Summi was right. The world can change a lot during that time. I'd have to give up my apartment and quit my job. Friends would downgrade me to 'acquaintance'. But the pay. I'd have rejected the offer if the increase was marginal, but thirty-six times? My grandchildren will never have to work again. If I have kids one day, that is.

Take it, leave it.

"This is going to drive me insane." I defended the cold by wrapping my arms around my chest. The snap of a twig drew my attention to the bushes where two yellowish orbs greeted me. A chill shot down my spine. Several thoughts of an untimely death flashed through my mind before a pointy snout and reddish fur followed the eyes out of the bush.

A fox? The creature tilted its head as if in recognition that, yes, it was a fox. Two hesitant steps freed it from the bushes where it kept its front-left paw in the air and sniffed. Unsatisfied with whatever it found, the fox turned its head back toward me and sat down.

"Must be hungry." I slowly raised my shoulders in an apologetic display. "Sorry, I don't have anything for you. I only have some mints in my purse, but you wouldn't like them. They taste like soap."

The fox flicked an ear towards the lake.

"Well, maybe you can tell me the answer to my problem." I tightened my grip on my pockets, despairing that I couldn't find a similar source of heat for my legs. "You see, I got a pretty big job interview. A job? Well, it's a place that hands out these fancy leaves I use to get food. Other people don't like it if I randomly pluck a bird out of the air." The fox stared at me without understanding. "Now, there's a place willing to provide me with many of these fancy leaves. Enough that I'll be set for life if I go. The problem is, I must go very far away, to a place I don't know, and work there for a long time. So, would you do it?"

The fox answered with a yawn.

"Yeah." I sighed. "It's-" We both heard the second rustling, but the fox was faster. It crouched with a growl before pouncing. The rustle gave way to an angry disturbance before the fox stepped out with a rat between its teeth.

I don't need to be here for this part. I stood up with a smile. "Enjoy your meal, Mr. Fox." I turned to the pavement before I could hear the crunching of bones.

Maybe the fox has a point. Something tastier might have shown up if it had waited, but no, it seized the opportunity. The edges of my apartment came into sight as I walked around the bend. Besides, what's the worst that could happen?