the blue handprints out of the couch and had to turn the cushions over.
“It’s time,” William said.
“But there are still two more episodes,” Casey replied, feigning hope.
“I wish I could stay. But I am a gas station clerk. I have a solemn duty.”
He kissed May’s head, then Casey’s.
“I’ll see you in the morning. Love you.”
“Love you too,” she said, snuggling up with May and Love-A-Lot.
“Buh bye. Wub you,” May called without looking away from the TV.
“Love you too,” William said.
He grabbed his backpack and opened the door.
“My Wubwat!” May cried behind him.
He smiled, closed the door, and left for work.
The first hour of work kept William busy. Darryl had spent most of his shift
playing scratch-off lottery tickets, leaving everything else undone. William had to
fill the soda machine with ice and replace two syrup containers. Darryl stayed long
enough to keep an eye on the register while William caught up.
Once he finished, Darryl left, and the store grew quiet. William pulled out his
textbook and worked through the last of his homework. Only three customers came in
between ten and midnight, and the assignment didn’t take as long as he expected. He
wished he’d brought the Gameboy, but Casey was probably playing it while May rolled
beside her, kicking in her sleep.
Two more hours passed. A slight rush followed after the bars in the area closed.
Mostly people grabbing cigarettes on their way home. William noticed an old drunk
man with a white, tangled beard and bloodshot eyes wandering toward the chip aisle