Thief of the Day

The moment the sun lowers behind the trees, the thieves take to the night in search of treasures. Anything not tied down or weighing less than a car is swept away from its home. Even empty plastic planters and lost shoe laces are snatched from porches without a second thought.

But it wasn't always like this. If it wasn't for all of the thieves, the shops would stay open at night. Instead of a lively town full of light filled windows, large metal sheets are locked down over store windows. Tables, chairs, and menu signs are brought inside as if to sleep in the night. It all leaves the streets barren, cold, and quiet except for the steps of a thief that walks down its sidewalks.

"I don't know about this..." She holds the flip phone close to ear as she walks.

The voice on the other end is much more lively and happy, "You've seen how empty it is at night. There isn't much to take then!"

The thief sighs as she looks down, "Sure but won't stealing in broad daylight be much harder? There's going to be people everywhere."

"The more people, the harder it will be for them to catch you. Instead of a thief in the night, you'll be the thief of the day!"

The thief lowers their volume a bit, "Doesn't seem like I have much of a choice. There's not a single thing out here I can defend myself with. Not even a fucking plank of wood."

"Just hang out till sunrise and I'm sure there will be someone strolling the streets with a gun somewhere you can snag. Should be that food festival downtown if you don't want to worry about cars either."

The thief huffs, "Fine. But if I get myself shot it's on your conscience."

The voice on the phone giggles, "See you tomorrow then!"

The thief grumbles to herself, "So much for easy." She abruptly flips the phone closed and stuffs it away in a pocket.

She continues to walk down the road and looks over at the empty alleyways. Entering one, she goes to one of the large dumpsters and goes to throw the lid open. To her surprise it doesn't budge. She tries again with both hands before leaning over and seeing it too wearing a large metal lock.

She groans in annoyance and gives up. With sore legs she goes to sit beside it to rest, "Can't catch a break to save my life."

Her phone starts to ring again. She draws her flip phone out again and checks the contact. The person calling is simply named Do Not Pick Up. Her eyes narrow at the screen as she closes the phone and throws it at the wall in front of her.

This anger however quickly changes back to a longing sadness. She hugs in her knees and stares at the phone a minute before whispering to comfort herself, "You're just alone again. It'll be ok." Her eyes start to water before ducking her head into her knees and trying to keep quiet.

The night drew cold as she waited for the sunrise. The freezing concrete and brick walls around her were unforgiving. But soon enough she would rest.

"I just want to be safe."