He stepped outside the prison gates

Tasting freedom after twenty five years behind bars

The bright light of summer made him squint

He walked into town slowly

Stopping to look in the store windows

Noticing how much prices had gone up

Phones now have miniature movie screens

Wondering if movie theaters still existed

He went into the nearest bar for a beer

Told the bartender he was looking for work

The manager came to interview him

Asking him what experience he could bring

Well its been a while he said but I know how to sell drinks

Are you up to speed on the latest POS systems asked the manager

His blank stare was interrupted by the manager pointing to the screen

The bartender tapped away recording orders for drinks and food

Come back when you have more experience said the manager

He finished his beer and left

No point in looking for retail work he said to himself

Things have changed so much

He wandered into a residential area

Knocked on a few doors asking if they needed a handyman

Nobody was interested

When there was no answer at the next house he went around the back

Seeing a first floor window open he climbed in

Money and jewelry are the easiest pickings  

He went upstairs looking for the bedrooms

As he entered the first bedroom he heard a noise

The distinctive sound of a pump action shotgun racking up

Stop right there or you are dead said a young voice

He looked round to see a teenage boy holding a shotgun

He lunged at the gun just as the boy pulled the trigger