Chapter 14 of Conscience and Unconsciousness by PontMercy44

Rey stood behind the cash register, fiddling with the strings of her apron. It was that dark, quiet hour before the daily commute roared to life. It used to be her favorite hour of the day – or, at least, it had been for three months.

She glanced at the corner booth. Every time someone sat in it, Rey had to bite back the urge to say, no, not there. That’s his place. I’m saving it for him. I’m hoping he’ll come back.