The Delivery Driver by Anon

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The sun blazed mercilessly in the cloudless sky, its fierce rays turning the world below into an oven. The asphalt shimmered with heat waves, and the air felt thick and heavy. It was one of those oppressive summer days where the temperature soared past 100 degrees, making every movement a struggle. The cicadas buzzed incessantly, their shrill chorus a reminder of the relentless heat.

A brown UPS truck trundled along the pristine streets of an affluent neighborhood. The houses here were a testament to opulence, each one a grand architectural marvel. Manicured lawns stretched out like emerald carpets, bordered by vibrant flowerbeds bursting with color. Tall, wrought-iron gates guarded these estates, hinting at the luxury that lay beyond.

The UPS driver, a seasoned professional, marveled at the grandeur as he made his way from house to house. Ornate fountains splashed cool water into the air, their gentle murmur a stark contrast to the searing heat. Marble columns, expansive driveways, and gleaming glass facades spoke of wealth and elegance. The driver couldn’t help but admire the beauty, even as the sweat trickled down his back.

He approached the largest house in the neighborhood, a sprawling mansion that dwarfed its already impressive neighbors. The gate swung open smoothly as he pulled up, revealing a long, tree-lined driveway leading to the front entrance. The house was a masterpiece of design, with towering windows and intricate stonework.

Stepping out of the truck, the driver grabbed the package and made his way to the door. As he rang the bell, he took a moment to appreciate the cool shade offered by the large porch.

The door opened, and he was greeted by a woman who exuded grace and sophistication. She was alone, her presence commanding yet welcoming. She thanked the driver for the delivery, her voice soft and melodic. The driver handed over the package, noting the serene calm of the mansion’s interior.

The woman’s eyes lingered on the driver’s long hair. "I love your hair," she said with a warm smile. "But you must be roasting with all that in this heat."

The driver chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, it’s pretty hot. I work so often I never get a chance to get to the barber."

Her eyes lit up with a spark of interest. "You know, it’s quite a coincidence. I happen to cut hair, and this package," she gestured to the one he’d just delivered, "is a brand new, expensive clipper set I ordered."

The driver blinked in surprise. "Really?"

She nodded. "I actually have a barber chair set up by the pool in my backyard. I use it to cut my clients’ hair. Why don’t you let me give you a haircut? It’ll be on the house, of course."

Caught off guard, the driver searched for an excuse to decline. "Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose, and I’ve still got deliveries to make..."

But before he knew it, she had gently taken his arm and was leading him through the grand foyer. He barely had time to take in the opulent interior as they moved briskly through the house. Plush carpets muffled their footsteps, and chandeliers sparkled overhead.

They emerged into the backyard, a lush oasis with a shimmering pool at its center. The barber chair was set up under a large, shady pergola, surrounded by potted plants and comfortable lounge chairs. The heat was still intense, but the shaded area provided some relief.

The woman gestured for him to sit. "Please, make yourself comfortable. I promise I’ll have you looking sharp in no time."

The driver hesitated for a moment, then with a resigned sigh, he sat down in the chair. The woman busied herself with the new clippers, humming softly as she prepared.

He took a deep breath, trying to relax. "Well, this is definitely a first," he muttered to himself, half-amused by the unexpected turn of events.

The driver settled into the barber chair, feeling both nervous and intrigued. "So, how short are you going to cut it?" he asked, trying to mask his anxiety.

The woman smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, I’ll have you feeling much cooler in no time."

Trying to negotiate, the driver added, "Could you leave some length on top? Just to hide where I'm balding a bit?"

She raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. "You must have misunderstood what 'on the house' meant."

With that, she took the brand new clippers and, without hesitation, ran them straight down the center of his head. The fresh shears mowed through his luxurious locks with ease, leaving a trail of short stubble in their wake. The driver sat in stunned silence, his heart racing, but he couldn't deny the thrill coursing through him.

Neither one of them spoke as she continued her work, and within minutes, the driver's long hair had been reduced to a short, even stubble. She unclipped the cape and guided him inside, toward the shower.

The woman led him to a luxurious bathroom featuring an impressive rain shower, where water cascaded gently from the ceiling. "Clean off first," she instructed. "Then end with running hot water over your head for five minutes."

He stepped into the shower, feeling the warm water wash away the remnants of his hair. The sensation of the rain-like spray was incredibly soothing, and he found himself relaxing under the steady stream. The experience was almost meditative, the heat and water washing away more than just physical grime.

Once he finished, the driver dried off and made his way back outside. The woman was waiting by the barber chair, gesturing for him to sit once more. He obliged, curious about what came next.

She began lathering shaving cream all over his head with a soft brush, her movements precise and practiced. The cool cream felt refreshing against his skin. Taking a straight razor, she carefully started the shave, her hand steady and sure. Each stroke of the razor left his scalp smooth and clean.

The driver closed his eyes, savoring the sensations. The hum of the cicadas and the gentle rustling of the leaves in the breeze created a calming backdrop to this unexpected yet strangely intimate experience.

Finally, the woman wiped away the remaining cream and stepped back to admire her work. "There you go," she said with satisfaction. "How does that feel?"

The driver ran his hand over his now smooth scalp, a wide grin spreading across his face. "Amazing," he admitted.

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