Date: November 9th, 2024 9:37 AM
Author: Multi-colored factory reset button
It was near closing, the kind of quiet that makes you notice every little sound. I was restocking frozen peas when he walked in—tall, confident, wearing a perfectly-fitted hoodie. Chad.
“Hey, man,” he said, smiling. “You know where the protein powder is?” His voice was smooth, effortless, like he belonged anywhere he went.
I pointed him to aisle 5, and as he turned to leave, he said, “Thanks, bro.” Bro.
I stood there for a moment, letting it sink in. I knew it didn’t mean anything, but I wanted it to. I imagined Chad lingering, asking about my day, maybe laughing at one of my bad jokes. But he didn’t. He just walked away.
Finished my shift, went home, and stared at my reflection in the microwave door. Whispered, “Yes, friend. This is fine.”
(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5630791&forum_id=2#48314526)