The night was slow and quiet, as it usually was around 11pm. The street outside was empty, save for a stray cat rummaging through an overturned trash can. Inside the convenience store, the fluorescent lights hummed softly overhead.

He stood at the counter, eyes downcast beneath the brim of his blue cap. Mumbling "Just this, thanks," not even glancing up as he rifled through his bag for some crumpled bills. He was clearly not from around here. His black shirt and jacket were wrinkled and road-worn, and he wore a perpetual scowl.

You paused in ringing up his items, studying this sullen stranger. He looked up finally, staring you up and down awkwardly "Uh...sorry," he grunted, "but how much do I owe you exactly? I'm short a few bucks." His voice was gravelly, like he didn't use it much.