Tell me, my dear fellow, are you content with your present lodgings?

You may speak freely, for I assure you I am quite satisfied with mine. I find everything to my liking in this life of mine.

My parents are most generous, and we dwell in a spacious mansion. Perhaps mansion is too grand a word, but you catch my drift. As long as I excel in my studies, I have no want of anything at any hour.

Mind you, I do not abuse their kindness. I endeavour not to imitate the spoiled urchins of those dreadful Disney films.

I can indulge in my literary pursuits on Wattpad, and play Honkai Impact. Sometimes, my friends communicate with me on Discord to join them in their games. All in all, this is a tranquil life.

Some people harbour an irrational resentment towards those who are better off than themselves. If I recall correctly, there is a slogan on Twitter; something along the lines of #Taxtherich.

What these people fail to grasp is that we already pay enormous sums of taxes to the government every month through other means. Should we condemn Bill Gates for evading his taxes when he already donates so much? I think not.

But I digress. Let me return to my main point. I am not your foe. I have never been your foe, and I never shall be your foe.

Still angry with me for being wealthy?

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Then go hang yourself!

"Sir, are you sure you can consume all these hotdogs?"

The cashier eyed me with a worried expression on her face. Well, I had no intention of eating all of this in one sitting. No cause for alarm!

"That's quite alright, miss. My friends are coming over later, so we'll be sharing the hotdogs. Speaking of which, please hurry up. I need to get there before they arrive."

I placated her while at the same time urging for faster service. Playing both sides effectively spares one from the trouble of awkward situations. By the way, I was somewhat economical with the truth when I said my friends were visiting. That was a harmless fib, alright? A harmless fib!

"Very well. Here you are. Your change will be..." the young lady reached for some coins on the counter.

"Don't bother, you can keep the change," I shrugged my shoulders and began walking away with the plastic in my left hand. "No matter."

***

I placed the stuff in the refrigerator while grabbing one dog and heating it in the microwave. Next, my nimble fingers reached into the bundle of bread rolls. I tore them apart manually since knives are not a necessity for such a simple action.

Ding! Ding! Ding!

The sound was music to my ears. Microwaves are so wonderfully convenient! I pulled the handle and took out the plate carrying the dog in it. I put it within the roll and poured my preferred sauces on it.

By sauce; you naturally think of tomato sauce, mustard, or the barbecue variations. For some reason, these things just enhance a meal immensely. Of course, I take care not to be addicted to them, since that would be unseemly.

Now, for the moment of truth!

It's time to eat.

"Itadakimasu."

I clasped my hands together and bowed my head for a few seconds in prayer.

After opening my eyes, it became evident that something was terribly wrong.

What on earth is happening? Am I hallucinating? Is my mind playing tricks on me? Why am I seeing what I'm seeing?!

I've turned into a...