Page 37 of Mountain Boss

“What do you guys do when there aren’t guests?” I ask, wondering what they do on days like today.

“Mostly prep for the next round. Plan the routes we’ll take. Make packing and grocery lists. Prep gear… Each group fills out an intake form, and we adjust accordingly. So not every outing is the same.”

“Makes sense,” I muse.

We stay a few more minutes, and I make a mental note of where the items of interest are.

“You sure it’s okay I take this?” I hold up the short step stool as I meet Fisher back at the door.

He nods. “Totally. This stuff is for any of us to use.”

I stop myself from grinning like a fool as I imagine using the steps toget into bed tonight and how much easier that’s going to be than climbing onto the bunk like a clumsy koala.

I shift my grip on the step stool as I step outside. My sore shoulders remind me that climbing into the bunk might be easier now, but it won’t make sleeping any more comfortable.

Which reminds me…

“When is payday?” I ask Fisher as he locks the door.

His back is still to me when he answers. “Last day of the month.”

Last…

My back rounds, like I caught the answer with my chest.

Last day of the month.

But it’s only October second.

I won’t get paid for another twenty-nine days.

“We always go to the bar…” Fisher keeps talking, but I don’t hear him.

My brain is too busy calculating what I have in my cupboard, plus how expensive groceries are and…

That fucking board.

I can’t sleep on that fucking board for another twenty-nine days.

Tears burn in the corners of my eyes, and I try desperately to blink them away.

It’s okay.

I’m going to be okay.

I’ve been in shittier conditions.

I have a roof over my head.

A private bathroom.

Limited food.

Half a tank of gas.

Two hundred dollars.

And a board to sleep on.

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