Waste Pickup Link (2027)
A heavy, rhythmic knock came at the door. Three thuds, a pause, then two more.
Leo crossed his arms. “Just take it.”
“Payment,” it said.
But for now, there was nothing. And nothing, Leo thought, was the most expensive thing he’d ever paid for.
“Standard or express?” the Collector asked. Its voice was the sound of a shovel scraping asphalt.