Nic decided her only option was to entice him. Bryant was gone, and her funds were next in line for departure. The man in the gas station seemed skittish, but not dangerous. Almost anxious as if he was anticipating some unlikely event. ​

​On the previous Friday, they packed their bags and planned their escape. Just Nic, her best friend, Bryant, and $750 between the two of them which was running out sooner than they’d anticipated.

Out of money, no ride, and no rescue in sight. In a moment of clarity, Nic picked herself up from the gravely street, gathered her belongings, dusted off her pants for non-existent onlookers, and began walking down the road — destination unknown. 

Tuesdays were the worst days at the store. Calvin, the regional manager, came in for a weekly team meeting, and whenever he was there, my manager, Rahul, acted like he cared about his job. This should have been a good thing, but for whatever reason, not having free reigns to bother me made him even weirder behind the scenes. I know what comes to mind when people hear about predatory supervisors, but our store prided itself on being a youthful company, so there was no HR department, which was only cool to college students and creeps like Rahul. 

​Everybody hates a kleptomaniac until they befriend one. Just like any person addicted to petty crime, Marcelle was a little off. I mean, not all the time. He had moments of clarity where he offered up some of the best advice I’d ever received, but then he’d spot something he lacked and he’d get that distant look in his eyes again.

​I could feel it coming to a halt. Sitting around the table, I looked on at my friends, all laughing and joking around, seemingly unaware that this was the end of an era. We’d never be this young and old again. And although I was aware that that was a concept everyone is forced to face, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this was the best it got. What happens when there’s nothing left to explore – no newness left to overturn? We would soon find out. 

I’ve never been the type to purchase the newest technology. I’ve had the same cell phone for 7 years and it’s still kicking. Granted, there’s not much I’d expect out of an old flip phone, but still. Functional is functional, and if nothing else, my things work. That’s more than I can say for these young kids.   

              “You should have called first. What if I wasn’t home?”
 
              “Haha! Seriously? You’re always right where I left you – uncomfortably comfortable in that same cushy, sunken in spot. Speaking of which, it’s high time to get that reupholstered, don’t you think?” 
 
               “Why are you bothering me — You know what? It doesn’t even matter, I have work to do.”
 
               “Yeah, I’m aware, but it’s really important this time, I swear.” 

​“Click…click,” each turn of the tarnished knob was accompanied by a barely noticeable response from the gears. Marge had changed his mind. Once sure of the need for a chocolate fix, the shiny neon green candies from the center machine now beckoned him. Marge wasn’t normally a fan of these types of clearly artificial confectionaries, but something about this candy machine appeared promising.