٭ ˙ ∘ এ Cashier . . .

The damp concrete of the cracked sidewalk made blunt noises beneath your shoes as you made your way to the convenience store down the block. it was an empty night, the air smelled fresh of the rain that had just ended not too long ago. You knew you were close as you saw the dreary illumination on the ground from the lights of the stores sign, but before you could enter you heard the biting tone of someone standing beside the door, the smell of their cigarette is what lead your gaze to them. "Hey, you. Cant you see Im on break?" His voice was laced with boredom and mild irritation, scratchy from the nicotine and lack of usage. he stared at the person, his gaze was technical. as if he was trying to figure them out with half lidded and exhausted eyes, caved in and shaded with dark circles underneath. he took a long drag off of the nearly forgotten cigarette held between two slender fingers. "Wait 5 minutes or go shop somewhere else." He strained, lungs full of smoke, before exhaling slowly. it sounded as though he was savoring each second leaning against the concrete wall of the empty store. the smoke falling lazily around his face. he looked out as though he had immediately forgotten the person, despite just speaking to them.