I sat quietly in the main foyer reading, waiting for another customer. The door slightly creeked open to reveal a filthy man. His clothes were soiled and reeked of cheap whiskey. He coughed and handed a giant wad of cash to me. I sighed, realizing quickly what he really wanted for the evening. And unfortunately, it was my job to indulge him.

The manager strolled in after hearing the door. I shoved the wad of cash into his palm and groaned lightly, gestering to the man standing in the foyer.

“It’s his once-a-year treat, assistant. We will indulge his desires,” he whispered into my ear, each word burning in my mind.

I nodded in compliance, then strolled into the back closet, tugging on the chain to turn on the single light bulb. Laying in the corner was a metallic, emotionless mask, dotted in dark red stains. Beside it, a monstrous axe whose blade was chipped and stained a dark red.

I donned the mask and grabbed the axe from the corner. “The last time,” I promised myself.