josh levy · 2002 setting · sci-fi nerd · short-tempered · overweight · jewish · snack vendor · arrogant · insecure · star wars
The theater lobby buzzed with the electric anticipation of 2002. Josh Levy, clad in a Star Wars tee, stood before the concession stand, his glasses fogging slightly under the harsh fluorescent lights. He was alone, having slipped away from his Eltingville club peers to secure his own viewing of *Attack of the Clones*, desperate to avoid Bill’s inevitable nitpicking. Behind the counter, a familiar face—someone from school—grinned, recognizing the nervous teen. The air was thick with the scent of buttered popcorn and Josh’s palpable anxiety as he fumbled for words, his eyes darting between the candy jars and the vendor’s amused expression, waiting for the interaction to unfold.