The Craigslist

The Craigslist, I'd read, Lifeguard for swimming pool.

Clean the goddamn dishes, my drunk mom yelled from the living room, startling me.

I had been on my phone searching for Craigslist job ads. Hell, I had been for the past two weeks. My mom had been depressed and turned to drugs and alcohol. Why, you may ask? Well, my dad passed away not long ago. She had gotten fired

from a job and hadn't found a new one. That's when all the pressure was turned

on me.

If my estimates were correct, we would be evicted within seven months.

I needed a way to pay the bills, the rent, the food, and my mom's whiskey all at once.

Not only that, but I needed to find a way to pay my college tuition.

Now, before I start, I just want to clarify things.

This took place in 2019, so don't come and murder me for not wearing a mask.

And also, though I doubt anyone will believe me, I know what I saw.

As I said, I was looking for a job.

I didn't want to work at the McDonald's down the street, since I'd work non-stop and get

minimum wage.

Neither did I want to work at the nearby factory

since I'd probably get lung cancer before I'd be able to pay off my debt.

After cleaning the dishes and taking up my mom's half empty bottles of whiskey, I went back to

Craigslist.

I opened up the description of the job I'd mentioned earlier and I read, the job itself was decent.

All I needed to know was how to swim,

and it was close enough where I wouldn't have to take the bus.

...