A snow-covered town is ruled by a mysterious and oppressive force known as “the Kingdom”. Dive into this introspective short story that offers a haunting glimpse into routine, resignation, and the flickering hope for something more.
Designed by Edu14463
Originally written by our former Senior Reporter Shinzo, this was the first chapter of his original story ‘King Penguin’, now turned into a short story.
It’s the first. I find myself in town – yet again. It is a usual day. Making coffee for all those just as miserable as myself. How can you be happy when all you see is sad faces? Outside, the sky may be bright. The sun is shining. No cloud in the sky. The rays reflecting from the delicate snow, into the coffee shop. It may be a pretty day. But how’s the weather? Exactly.
I sigh, standing behind the counter. My hand reaches over to the coffee machine. A movement I make only approximately 500 times a day. Every day. Saturdays, Sundays, holidays. I scratch my head, turning my head the usual way: Towards the clock hanging on the wall. It’s already old. I grew accustomed to the loud ticking noise over the years. A sentiment to how numb I’ve gotten. Or maybe I just think that I am.
The customers come and go. Behind the counter, I can only feel the same thing. Merely getting 500 coins a month. I can barely feed my puffles, let alone myself. And between the ordinary penguins, some weirdly dressed ones approach. They all look the same. All dressed in the same outfit. A uniform. I know that they are part of ‘the Kingdom’. At least that’s what they say. I don’t understand it, though. All I know is that they ruin it all. They force me here. They make me miserable. Especially the day since she ‘disappeared’.
Coffee by coffee, the time ticks down. One less second of suffering under this army, whatever that is. I am officially a member of theirs. Wearing their badge proudly. That was a lie. Forced to conform to their standards. I just want to live. Not pressured to partake in their silly manipulation. Trying to make everyone abide. Trying to make everyone grow their own strength. And if not? You’ll get ousted. Not from the army. But from life.
I don’t understand – yet I understand very well. Power is everything. And everything is done to keep this everything. But at the same time, I noticed. I noticed them getting less and less. Working here, I see only a dozen of the Kingdom’s personnel on active duty. A year ago it was well quintuple of that. Every day. Does that mean something? I’m unsure. But I know that I am ignorant. Ignorance is bliss. So I wish I didn’t know.
It’s just never been different. It’s been like this since always. Every day I live my life. I don’t know it any different. But it feels wrong. I can’t quite describe it. That’s probably why I try to. Sometimes I wish I knew more. More about the world. More about life. But I don’t. And can’t. I just know I don’t like it. Yet I know one thing. I am not alone. I see it in their faces. All those that are sick of life. But if you move your finger you’re done for. Though, there has to be an alternative. Something else than this suffering that I call everyday life. Something else than merely existing in fear from those that have power over you. Something else than this. Doesn’t there have to be?
Well. It is what it is. I just can’t stop to think about it. I never really thought anything. I was just here. I didn’t understand what was actually going on. Because it was just how it was. Always. I thought it all was not so bad. Until the incident. Then I understood. I understood what happened. I knew it couldn’t be. Her death was like a punch in the face: A waking call. I knew she wasn’t gone. She didn’t just disappear this evening. She ascended to heaven. And why? Because of them. Because she knew. And since then I know. And I might be next. If they know that I know.
Whatever. I’m thinking too much. I should just be content with what I have. Work my 12-hour shift and then go home, happily. Home, where I see my puffles starving. What a joy. I’m so content and happy. Look at me world. I’m making coffee. Turning around. Pushing buttons. Cup. Coffee. Turning around. “Thank you, Sir. Please come again!”. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. Go home and contemplate. Contemplate about all the rights I have. All the freedom I have. All the awfulness I experience every day. What a great life. But I must snap back into reality. As bad as it is. It’s not like I have a choice. Do I?
Another customer. Joy. I turn behind the counter and reach for the bag of coffee beans. I feel like a robot. Loud beeping. That must be this stupid coffee machine again. It always has some issues. I’ll just give it a small whack and – voilá. It works. Quiet again. How beautiful. I take out a cup of coffee. Pour in the coffee. Turning around to serve the customer. The customer is king. Oh wait. The king is king. Almost got imprisoned for those indiscriminate thoughts. I’m chuckling.
Another beeping. This stupid coffee machine. I turn around to whack it yet again. But it doesn’t stop. Another whack. Nothing. I swear, I’m going to kill this thing one day. Okay, I’ve had it…Oh wait. Rumbling? That thing never did that…Huh? All of the personnel rushing outside? Maybe one of their stupid gatherings again. Though…My head turns to face the window. Oh, Gunshots… Wait what? Gunshots?! I have to hide. I get down, below the counter. I can only hear more shots. Explosions. The glass is shattering. Penguins are screaming. What. The.
I’m done for. This is the end of me.
Shinzo
Former Senior Reporter
More Information
Reporter in Training for the CPA and Head Journalist for the Gazeta Husarska. WH Monarch and former Emperor.