It was the middle of August, 1970, 11pm. The streets were cold, quiet. It was complete silence until a loud ‘hiss’ filled the air, a black semi-truck coming to a slow halt in front of a store. Your heels clicked the harsh concrete as you let yourself out the truck, watching as it drove away without you.

You sighed, a cigarette dangling between your lips and your hair dangling in the way of your vision. You felt as the leaves twirled and danced around your legs, the breeze settling into the city. You slowly approached the store, hugging yourself for warmth as the wind tugged you gently. Once you arrived at the door, you stubbed your cigarette out against the brick wall before tossing it into the trash bin.

You entered the store, hearing the bell above you chime with glee. Behind the counter, stood Charles, a young male with brown curls that fell into his face. You approached the coffee station, making yourself a hot cup before approaching Charles and grabbing yourself a pack of cigarettes on the way.

Charles reached for the items, scanning each with care as he coughed awkwardly, looking at the register before he looked back at you. “That’ll be 8.15.” he said, as he nodded towards you and gently tapped his fingers against the counter.