❄️The Rink

"Write about your first job."

In the shadow of the building, the temperature was freezing. Although the rink was not indoor, the breeze was uncontrollably dense under the plastic and silver ceiling. Perhaps the shining sun of Zacatecas had something to do there. Some people would say the cold wind felt like a blizzard in the mornings; others believed that the artificial snow falling over was hotter than even the earth's nucleus.

Ok, I will stop; I was just dramatic. Science-fiction novels are the only stuff I am currently reading. Therefore, I want to describe the whole place at all times. 

In mid-June 2012, I started the first job of my entire life—well, the fourth one, but this time was legal.

The rink. 

This particular event is important because the word "work" made me realize what I enjoyed doing—helping others. But now, let me remember how the experience happened and how I got involved. Are you with me? I hope, yes.

First, the local presidency hired me in a contest. I had to submit a short speech on how this opportunity would change me for the better.

I had never tried some ice skates, so I was terrified before the application day; however, I wanted to learn new abilities, my mind did not stop me. A couple of days later, they said yes. Then, I should present on the introductory course site. After a week of practicing and learning how not to die while skating, I gained confidence.

In the second week, I arrived at the 5300 squared feet plaza—where the rink was located— and acquired the title "nation's servant." In fact, my boss gave a red vest and said: "Now you officially operate this rink alongside your teammates. Welcome, Cesarín." 

Nonetheless, there is always a bad part in every story, and, in this one, the smell of people's feet was the hardest to manage. The music was awful as well; nevertheless, the mentioned aroma was hard to stand. Try to imagine this, the rink was in the city center, the entering prize stood out for its absence, also, in Mexico—or at least in my state—not every house had hot water most of the year. What do you think the smell of their socks would be? Moreover, thousands of guys were not taking showers due to the winter.

  Without remorse on how some people addressed me—offensively and arrogantly—I remember that sacred place with affection. I fell in love with a girl, as you can imagine. She was way older than me, and I had turned twelve several months earlier. In other words, our relation was impossible.

The most surprising part—and acceptable, too—of it was the payment. I was winning quite a lot of money compared with any guy my age in the city—6,000 pesos, which was a lot before the Mexican Peso's devaluation. What was I saying? Oh, yes, the payment and ending part.

Luckily, I did not cut a finger off of somebody—a typical accident in those wrong organized places—and discovered what would become my love.

Onward...