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About two blocks from the office, Kirk ducked into an alleyway and pulled out a cigarette. He lit it and took a deep drag, then leaned against the wall with a sigh.

He’d felt his phone buzz a few times on the way here, undoubtedly texts from Rebecca informing him that he was fired.

He knew what he’d just done was stupid and reckless. He knew that realistically, he should probably be running back and begging for his job.

He just couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He took another deep drag of his cigarette, letting the smoke overwhelm his lungs until he was light headed and had to cough it out.

Fuck it. Maybe it hadn’t been the worst decision. He had a decent resumé, and he had savings to live off of while he looked for a new job. Maybe being rid of that rancid bitch was worth it.

Kirk tossed the half-finished cigarette to the ground and rubbed it out with his foot. He was supposed to be trying to quit…

After running a hand through his hair and letting out another sigh, Kirk started walking again. He briefly considered ducking into a bar, but ultimately decided he’d just rather go home.

Kirk closed the door to his apartment, then tossed his bag on the couch and started undoing his tie. Once it was off and he could breathe, he opened the kitchen window to let some cool, fresh evening air in—never mind that it was a little tainted with the smell of his downstairs neighbors smoking pot.

What to do with himself now? He felt lighter than he had earlier—but tired. He’d figure out what his next real steps were in the morning. For now… Chinese food and the couch. Yeah, that sounded nice.

He called in an order for some fried rice and lo mein, then turned on his dusty old Xbox. It had been a while since he’d had time to play a video game. Tossing himself onto the sofa, he booted up an Assassin’s Creed title he’d tried playing three times and never finished. Maybe this time would be different.

He’d just gotten through the tutorial when there was a knock on the door, and he paused the game to get up and answer it.