An hour later, the manager handed Derrick a fresh list of cleanup tasks. Derrick attacked each one methodically, pushing through dizziness. Bleary-eyed but resolute, he polished display cases, organized mislabeled products, and broke down cardboard boxes until his hands trembled from overuse.
When first light seeped through the store’s glass doors, Derrick’s heart hammered with anticipation. He dragged himself to the manager’s makeshift office. Dark circles underscored his eyes, but he forced a polite smile. He asked for his earnings, explaining he had a critical veterinary bill to pay.