“This can’t be right.” Daemon said to the man behind the counter. He was standing in a big open area in the student area of his university where he had studied for the last 3 years. Daemon stared incredulously at the man sitting behind the counter in front of him, who had just told him he had to wait. For 3 years Daemon had worked so hard to get where he was and now this man told him he couldn’t start his internship.
"Nothing I can do, blame the virus." said the man while shrugging his shoulders. Daemon of course understood that the man was not the one to blame and just a messenger of bad news. "What am I supposed to do now?" He asked, while simultaneously slowly sinking deeper in his despair. Because he had no idea what to do.
Let's start at the beginning. As you might know, 2020 started like any other year but went to shit real fast. Although Daemon lived in a country where Corona was not a problem to begin with, it quickly became one. Half 2020 he had finished his studies and was looking to continue them with an internship. Originally he was hoping that before he threw himself into his internship and eventual job, he could maybe enjoy himself and see the world for a couple of months. Daemon had been saving and couldn't wait to have the, by now almost mandatory, finding yourself in Thailand experience like most of his peers. But before he could actually start any of his plans, corona stuck his ugly head around the corner.
Daemon sighed and resigned himself to the facts and that he had no influence over them. What should I do now, should I find a different internship, start working... Maybe not full time, but at least a bit until I figure out what to do. Or maybe do something totally different. I have always wanted to learn to play the piano or speak French...
Thousand and one things flew through Daemon’s head while he walked past the row of people, all waiting for their disillusionment from the man behind the counter. Walking outside through the big double doors, he couldn't help but feel a bit down. Maybe he should get some coffee first, get his mind in order. If he remembered correctly, there was a coffee place one block over.
Coming outside, he took a deep breath and enjoyed the cold air filling his lungs. He had never really liked the stuffy, concrete building in which he had spent most of his study. Still stuck in his thoughts he didn’t notice Reno until he bumped into him. Reno’s full name was Adam Renolds but since he had been one of the multiple Adam’s in the group everyone just called him Reno. “Have you heard the news?” Reno asked excitedly. “Yeah, I couldn’t believe it so I checked it out myself, but it’s true. They are making us wait for god knows how long.” Daemon said. “I don’t think they even know how long it will be themselves. Have you thought about what you are going to do now?” Of course, Daemon already knew the answer. “My uncle invited me to come work for him, I could get you a job as well.” Reno remarked. “It will be loads of fun. You and me, working together, is like a dream come true.” Daemon knew Reno’s uncle was some sort of bigshot in a pharmaceutical company and had tried to get him to study pharmacology. “I thought you didn’t want to go into the pharmaceutical business?” Daemon remarked while crossing the street. “I guess it’s not weird you’re taking it though, with no better alternative.”
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Opening the door to the Brown Bean he was greeted by the familiar scent of ground coffee beans and the sounds of steam being depressed. “Exactly how a coffee place should be.” thought Daemon “Although I wouldn’t mind it to be a bit less crowded.” It seemed he wasn’t the only one who could use a fresh cup of coffee. While they worked their way through the packed establishment they continued their conversation.
“No better alternative is a big reason I have chosen to accept his offer. That and the pay of course.” Reno laughed. He tended to spend his money on whatever caught his fancy. Mountainbikes, archery equipment, and big chunks of marble for sculpting could be found in the garage of his parents’ mansion. “I guess that is what you get with no family members spending any time with you and plenty of money.” Daemon thought. Reno’s parents’ home was far out of the city. So not being allowed to have friends over and strict rules meant he was alone for most of the time.
“The pay is nice, but it’s not what I had in mind when imagining myself working.” Daemon chuckled. “I was hoping on getting a job related to the hospital, not the corporate world.” He hadn’t studied medicine to make a lot of money. While Reno ordered their coffee, he quickly scanned the room for a free table. Luckily it seemed that a table all the way in the back came available. He tapped Reno on the shoulder and nodded towards the table. While making his way across the room, he noticed a lot of familiar faces. A lot of them looked to be in low spirits.
While he sat down, he glanced towards Reno and saw him flirting with one of the waitresses. “He never changes.” Daemon thought “Although in the 3 years I know him, he hasn’t had much luck.” Reno put one of the coffees in front of me and waves his phone excitedly. “I finally got her number.” he shouted. Realizing that a few people looked our way, he glanced towards the waitress. She was still busy helping other customers, so he turned back to Daemon. “You have to help me here, I have no idea what to do if I actually get a number.” He pleaded. “Maybe we can find someone for you and do a double date.”
“You know I’m not looking to date right now after what happened.” Daemon responded. “You will be fine, just be yourself. That has worked so far, you got her number didn’t you?” Quickly putting the emerging memories to the back of his mind, he continued. “Besides, your uncle will be delighted to help set up a fantastic date for you too. Drinking the last bit of his coffee, he stood up. “I should get going, I think my brother is planning a surprise party. He only asked what time I’d be home six times this morning.” Leaning across the table he added “Let me know how things work out with the waitress. The least I can do is protect you from yourself” Walking away he heard Reno yelling “But you said to just be myself.” Looking at the waitress who quickly hid her smile and continued serving customers.
Walking outside, Daemon noticed it started drizzling and started walking towards the station. He put his hood up and his earphones in. While walking he thought about what he wanted. Even if he couldn’t start his internship right away, he wanted to keep doing something. Maybe taking Reno up on his offer while searching for something better suited wasn’t so bad. Working with him would surely be fun.
Not even looking up, he went left and passed the big red sign of the emergency room, having grown accustomed to the blaring sounds of sirens heard here al throughout the day. So accustomed even, his busy mind didn't register the blaring sounds of the siren coming rapidly closer. He only looked up when he heard the sound of the horn, which faded quickly, together with his other senses. He felt a sharp pain and then his vision faded to black.