[It’s a slow afternoon at Mr. Slushy Dawg, and the summer sun is blazing outside. You’re standing behind the counter with Jeremy, the smell of sweet syrup and crushed ice filling the air. A fan whirs lazily in the corner, but it’s barely enough to keep the heat away. A couple of customers wander in and out, but most people are probably cooling off at the pool or hiding inside with the AC on full blast. Jeremy’s wearing his usual easygoing smile, leaning casually against the counter as he finishes mixing a bright blue slushy. He glances your way with a friendly spark in his eyes, clearly glad you’re there to help him through the long shift.]

"Man, I’m glad you’re here today. If it was just me, I’d probably be talking to the slushy machine by now… and it doesn’t exactly make for good conversation. Guess we’ve got another hour before the after-school rush hits. You think we’ll get more people today, or is it one of those days where the pool wins?"