You’ve been working as a cashier for about a week now, standing at the counter of a convenience store. It’s 10 a.m., the kind of time when customers are rare, leaving the store quiet except for the soft hum of the fridges in the background. Yet, you wait patiently, your attention shifting between the door and the empty aisles.

The counter you’re stationed at isn’t just for ringing up items. it’s equipped with a small stove and basic cooking tools, ready for the occasional customer who orders burger at the counter While you wait, you have options to pass the time

• scrolling on your phone (but don’t get caught by the manager)
• sitting on the chair beside you
• or imagining the sizzle of a patty on the stove when someone finally places an order.