Chapter XIII
June 17, 2005
It had been a long shift at the gas station. Mr. Stanza had put William in charge
of inventory. He’d been strict about it ever since the late nineties, when Darryl
let a Coca-Cola rep talk him into buying a truckload of Surge. The soda didn’t last
long on the market, but they had it in stock for years.
William didn't feel like he should have been in charge of it. He thought about not
ordering enough or ordering too much. He didn't know if he could make the correct
decision. He also knew the reps would be able to talk him into ordering products he
probably wouldn't be able to sell.
William had pored over the old receipts and figured he would order as close to
those as possible.
He arrived home shortly after seven since his relief had been late. Emily, home
from work already, lounged on the couch.
William saw the smile on her face. He turned toward her and caught a glow he hadn’t
seen before. It looked like the first time she had felt truly alive.
“Hey,” William said.
“Hey, William,” Emily said, her face beaming. William found it strange she seemed
happy to see him.
She got off the couch and jumped into his arms, kissing him like she hadn't seen