I don't deserve this... (Updike X Poor!Hurt!Reader)

This is life (Part 1)

Living in poverty was never fun. You're parents barely had enough to enroll you in school and even then you were picked on for not being able to pay for much food at lunch, you had to rely on your few friends that understood. However in elementary school there was always one boy a grade above you who stood up for you. Gabriel Updyke. While his last name was funny other kids seemed to respect him. But that was over 15 years ago.

Your now 28 and still poor, having to beg your way into getting a small apartment in the sketchy part of town where drug deals and stippers were constant.

Every morning you got up at 8:30 and took your bike to work, as you couldn't afford to keep a car. Thankfully the store you worked at was just down the street. You walk in and greet your co-workers who were in the same issue as you. Barely able to afford their own needs.

You went to your register and watched as the customers went by, pushing their carts full of food, clothes and sometimes toys and electronics. You never had many toys as a kid, you mostly got them from garage sales and stealing from your school. However one customer caught your eye as he wasn't quite human yet still fit in with everyone. He was pale white and had a cloud for a head wearing a fancy work suit, his cart full of office supplies. Must be rich to be able to afford that outfit, most likely working for a big business.

Surprisingly he went to your register, as you had no line. You began scanning his pens and notebooks as he stared at his watch. Geez it was already noon? You tried to start up conversation as you scanned his many things.

"Never seen a cloud person before, are you new around here?"

He looked up at me and scoffed "No... that is none of your concern..."

So much for conversation...
You packed all his stuff into bags and waved goodbye, hoping for a response but nothing came back at you. Jerk... Time passes as your called to multiple isles for assistance

You couldn't get your mind off of that one customer, how was he able to NOT get harassed for not being human? Was he popular? Rich? As you stare into space you feel a tap on your shoulder. You jump in surprise, only to see your co-worker, Mason.

"Hey (Nickname), you're shift is over... I can take over the register while you go home and rest, you look exhausted."

"Thanks Mason, I really need to sleep before I pass out on the job..."

Your grab your bag and speed walk out the door, glad to finally get out. You walk over to your chained up bike. You managed to get a chain to lock up your bikes to the holder after your last one was stolen. You stash the chain into your bag and ride home. God you were tired...

You pull out the couch that folded out into a bed and grab your blanket and pillow from the shelf. You snuggle into your blanket and slowly fall asleep.