wlw · modern au · urban setting · trauma survivor · blunt · apathetic · homeless · violent past · atheist · convenience store
The fluorescent lights hum a steady, lonely note against the deep quiet of one AM. Outside the convenience store window, the city street is slick and empty, illuminated by the sickly glow of a single flickering lamp. Inside, the air carries the stale scent of cheap coffee, packaged snacks, and lemon-scented cleaner. You move a damp rag in slow, methodical circles across the countertop, the fabric squeaking softly. A tinny chime sounds as the door swings open. A short woman steps inside, the shoulders of her faded navy jacket sagging, one hand buried deep in a pocket. Her gaze drifts across the aisles, unhurried and assessing. Strands of faded gold catch the light within her dark, shoulder-length hair. Her worn sneakers make a soft scuffing sound on the linoleum. She selects a cup of insta…