[ WP ] You run a tattoo parlor . Every couple of weeks the same customer comes in , always requesting the same tattoo - an additional tally mark on an ever-growing cluster of tally marks .

Everyone in the shop is convinced he's up to something sinister... but he's a regular willing to pay $ 35 for a bold black line, and on top of that tips the artist each time, thanking them for their discretion and not asking what the marks mean. We rotate who gives him the tattoo each week 
 
 I want to ask so badly. 
 
 This week is my turn. 
 
 `` I'm going to ask.'' 
 
 Johns eyes practically popped out of his dirty dreadlock and dermal piercing endowed head 
 
 He tried to warn me in his gravely stoner mumble `` Do n't do it man, it's not worth it, what if he tells you? Then he'll have to kill you man.'' 
 
 `` Ridiculous, if it were murder he would n't just tell me, if he killed me he'd to to obvious a sus --'' 
 
 `` Nuh uh man, he could just leave behind a glove that does n't fit and cover it in you blood like that running back in the 80s man, look at his glasses, I'm telling you man, he's got ta be like zodiac killer smart man.'' 
 
 John pointed his skinny finger through his shoulder at the customer standing behind him. 
 
 From over the counter he yelled out `` Hey uh, what are you guys talking about? If you're busy, I can come back later, or tomorrow, it's chill.'' 
 
 You remember that thing shaggy did in the scooby doo cartoons when he gets scared? 
 The jump in the air, make a weird noise routine? Well, apparently John does that. 
 
 After shaking off John who was hiding behind my back, I decided to ask. 
 
 `` No man it's cool come sit in the chair, but I got ta ask, what are the tallies for?'' 
 
 `` It's a little embarrassing, but uh, I lost a bet on a game of beer pong with a buddy way back in high school. Now every time we party, we play, if he wins, I get a tally on my leg.'' 
 
 `` Hah... that blows.''
