Michael Robertson - Teeth

The Tooth Fairy is a short story set in the world of Crash. Crash is a series of novels / novellas that exist in a fictionalised reality where Greece pulled out of the European Union rather than accepting the bail out terms imposed on them.

Greeces choice challenged the confidence in other shaky economies like Spain and Italy, causing investors to withdraw from these countries.

Because of our interconnected globalised world, once a few economies collapsed, others fell. The ripple effect shattered the illusion of money and the capitalist system that governed the world, failed.

The Crash series of books are set in London six months after money has lost all of its meaning.

It isnt pretty.

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Looking over his shoulder at their burning house, Josh turned to his brother. Do you think theyre coming back?

Archie, at seventeen, was three years older than Josh. I dont know. Maybe, but its been three days, and we cant wait in a house thats on fire.

So what shall we do?

Weve got to go to Nanas. If any of our family are still in London, thats where theyll be.

I think we should stay here.

And wait where, Josh? In case you hadnt notice, they set fire to our fucking house!

A lump rose into Joshs throat, and he stared at the floor through blurry eyes. I dunno. I just want to make sure were here when Mum and Dad come back.

Archies words stabbed at his heart. And what if they dont come back?

Before Josh could reply, Archie put a hand on his shoulder. Get down!

Hunching with his brother behind a low wall, Josh listened to the sound of the approaching voices. A couple of them were deep like mens voices, but most of them had the prepubescent squeak of children. Shivering in the cold, Josh looked at his brother, who placed a finger over his closed lips. The accompanying frown told Josh to shut the fuck up.

It was hard to stay quiet with both the cold and adrenaline trying to wobble his body. Stuttered breaths shot out of him and turned to condensation as the voices got closer. He could suddenly hear their conversation.

Where are we going now, Sam?

Back to the shop.

But we dont have any food.

I know.

Well, what are we going to do about food?

Unless you want to fight someone for it, then fuck all. Im not against having a scrap, but I dont fancy our chances against fully grown men. Well find something tomorrow.

But the supermarkets have been picked clean.

A slapping sound made Josh flinch. The second voice then said, Ow! What was that for?

For you being a cunt. Stop giving me problems. If you have some solutions, then share them with the group. Otherwise, shut the fuck up!

The voices were getting closer. Josh and Archie had picked the wrong place to hide. Forcing his eyes shut, Josh listened to the collection of footsteps scuffing over the road surface.

Well, well, what have we here?

Opening his eyes, Josh saw a group of about twelve boyshalf of them were from his school.

Looking down at the pair, the boy who seemed to be leading the group smiled. Archie McCartney, how are you doing, mate?

Turning to his brother, Josh watched Archie stand up and shake the boys hand. How you doing, Sam? He then nodded at several others in the group, and a series of head nods and flicks returned his gesture. Pointing down at Josh, Archie then helped him to his feet. This is my brotherJosh.

When Sam held his hand out, Josh shook it but remained silent. There was something in the way his brother held himself that told Josh this boy wasnt to be trusted.

Throwing, Archie said, So whats happening around here?

Sam leant forwards as if he hadnt heard him correctly. Huh?

Looking around, buildings burning, shops smashed, Archie waved a hand over the devastation. Whats happening here?

Where have you been for the last two weeks? When Sam looked at the collection of boys, and a couple of them sniggered.

Weve been at home, havent we, Josh?

Josh nodded.

Mum and Dad told us not to go out, so we stayed in. They said there was trouble on the streets.

Theres more than fucking trouble, Archie. Londons fucked! After the economic crash, everything went to shit.

Josh stood in the almost empty space and looked around. The dolls in the abandoned shop looked weird naked and with some of their limbs missing. The store had been picked clean save for a few dirty items of clothing on the floor. All that remained was the long checkout desk. Most of the tills that should have been bolted to it had been smashed off. A few lopsided signs hung from the Styrofoam roof tiles saying things like Two T-Shirts for 22.

Should we be here, Archie? Josh asked, his voice echoing in the sparse room.

Archie frowned. What?

This shop doesnt look like somewhere were meant to be. Pointing first at the stainless steel rails, then at the empty display tables, Josh said, Its private property.

Shops dont exist anymore, Josh.

What do you mean?

Money doesnt work. Without money, why would there be shops? When theres no profit to be made, no one gives a fuck about anything.

Keeping his mouth shut because he didnt really know anything about business, Josh cleared his throat. Im cold, Archie.

So am I. We just have to deal with it.

Heat suddenly stung Joshs eyes and his world blurred.

When Archie looked at him, he tutted. His face then softened and he put his arm around his younger brother. Dont worry, mate. This is just a stopover on the way to Nanas. Its only for one night. I want to make sure were off the streets while its dark. The city isnt safe.

After looking around again, the empty space lit up by the moon shining in through the windows on the other side of the building, Josh shrugged. Where are we going to sleep? There are no beds or sheets.

Well have to sleep on the floor; itll only be for a night.

A shiver ran down the length of Joshs body. But its cold, Archie. When he saw Archie ball his fists, he flinched, but the expected punch didnt come.

Look, Josh. Everythings shit at the moment. Its not all corn flakes and Saturday morning cartoons anymore, okay? Things have changed. We just have to deal with whats going on the best we can.

Staring at the grubby floor, Josh didnt reply.

Okay?

Swallowing the lump in his throat, Josh finally nodded. Okay, Archie. Speaking more quietly, he added, Sorry.

Walking over to the window, Josh glanced out at the moonlit street. Its strange to see Oxford Street without any lights, dont you think?

Frowning as he continued to look around, Archie didnt reply. Instead, he walked over to the middle of the shop.

Following his brother, Josh asked, Do you think Mum and Dad will be there?

Where?

Nanas. Do you think Mum and Dad will be at Nanas?

Looking at his brother for a second, his frown softening, Archie shrugged. Who knows?

What will we do if theyre not?

Well think of something else. Everythings changing, and we have to learn to adapt if were going to stay alive.