The Janitor's Requiem

uty to the already well designed floor-to-ceiling windows. It was a world of luxury and money for Thomas Ward, it was a dream. The sweat from the heat stuck to his skin as he used the back of his

place makes." Isn't it almost embarrassing? The familiar sting of embarrassment crept up Thomas's neck, but he remained silent. He continued to stare at the floor, his attention focussing on the mop he was holding. There was no use in answering, no use in showing her respect with a response. It would just exacerbate the situation. However, the interminable hush continued. Another speaker, a man Thomas dimly recognised as one of the frequent guests at the hotel, said, "I bet he'll be cleaning up someone else's mess for the next twenty years." Despite clenching his jaw, Thomas remained silent. Now he felt their gaze on him, sweeping over him like a species on exhibit. He refused to let them see how uncomfortable he was, even while his gut twisted in a familiar knot. He was a few paces behind them, and as they moved away, he could hear their voices becoming softer and their laughing louder. It made no difference. It didn't. He would continue to clean. His life had become a never-ending loop, and he would continue to clean up their trash. After a few minutes, the lobby started to calm down. Businesspeople called, guests withdrew to their rooms, and the hotel reverted to its immaculate, well-maintained appearance. Thomas was alone himself for a long, only interrupted by the distant hum of air conditioning and the sound of his mop. A booming voice broke the silence as he approached the lobby's furthest corner, where the great staircase started. "You!" The mop was in midair when Thomas halted. He didn't turn right away. He was anxious since the voice was unknown yet had power. It was an attention-grabbing tone, the kind one uses when they want to be heeded. Yes, you! The caretaker! This time, the voice was louder. Thomas reluctantly raised his eyes. A tall guy in his mid-forties wearing a dapper suit that exuded affluence stood at the foot of the stairway. With a calculated intensity, his eyes met Thomas's. The guy assessed Thomas's appearance, his mouth twisting in disdain, and questioned, "Do you always look like that when you're cleaning?" Although Thomas's countenance remained neutral, his heart skipped a beat. "Si