The Gold Plated Watch on Her Wrist Gleamed Under the Fluorescent Lights.

My fries arrived cold. The packet half empty. Why was I surprised? The girl who had served me had stared at me with disgust after I asked her for my 10c change.  Before I even had a grip on the bright red packet she yanked her hand away as if touching me would cause her harm.

I chose a booth towards the back of the store and slowly ate my fries, my mind wandering.  Peering around the illuminated store, I noticed a young boy gazing across the room at a girl. About his age, probably 16 or 17. Her glossy blond hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail, her cheeks clear and rosy. The gold plated watch on her wrist gleamed under the fluorescent lights.  She was rich. But somehow she was different. The other  workers all seemed tired. And disinterested. She had a sort of glow to her, a warm inviting smile. Like she saw the world differently, like she was prepared to give you a chance. As she mopped the floor she made small talk with the boy. His eyes never left her. They chatted for about five minutes before she was called back behind the counter.

The boy, now alone, gave himself an almost knowing smile before gathering his things and opening the door, swallowed by the starless night.

I sat in that booth for another hour, just watching the world go by, observing the different people who came in. There was an older lady with a yorkie on her sweater whose arms were straining under the weight of her grocery bags, a young couple covered in tattoos and piercings, I even saw a guy who I had once shared a bus shelter with one cold, drab winter night.

The red packet once filled with fries was now empty. I got up from my booth, tossing my rubbish in the trash can on my way to the door. I waved a final goodbye to the few straggling staff left. Before following the boy now long gone through the door. Disappearing into the endless night.