Night Shift

(set: $distraction to "nah")(set: $checkeddoor to false)(set: $welcomewagon to false)(set: $thief to false)(set:$shelf to false)(set:$scared to false)(set:$pretzeldust to false)(set:$end1 to false)(set:$end2 to false)(set:$end3 to false)(set:$end4 to false)

People don't really go out late in this town. And you're pretty sure there wasn't any advertising for this anyways. But hey, it still pays. [[>|to start]]

You open a bag of potato chips. You like the rustling sound it makes. You take a potato chip and eat it. You're not actually hungry, though, so you'll have the rest later. [[Back to work.]] (set: $distraction to "chips")

You hum the song of the refrigerator. It only has one note, but it has a nice resonance to it. [[Back to work.]] (set: $distraction to "song")

If you were uncomfortable standing in the same place in silence for hours, you wouldn't have done it for two hours already. You'd normally be sleeping at this hour, which is lying in the same place in silence for hours, so it's basically the same anyways. [[Just keep standing around.|Back to work.]] (set: $distraction to "nah")

There is nobody in the store, and there hasn't been for the last two hours. Maybe you should find something to do. [[Make yourself a snack]] [[Hum a song]] [[Don't find something to do]]

Something has set off the door chime. To be honest, the door chime is kind of broken. There's about a 20% chance nobody is there when it goes off... Maybe there's a problem with the sensor. You could [[check it out]] or [[you could not|Door chime again]].

You peek around the shelves at the door. Nothing. Guess you'll just [[go back to standing at the counter|Door chime again]]. (set: $checkeddoor to true)

The door chime goes off again. Maybe there's a way to [[turn it off]]… That kind of [[sounds like a hassle|hooded guy]], though.

You leave the counter and approach the door, where someone in a hoodie is standing with their arms in their front pocket. "Uhh. Hi. I didn't know we had a welcome wagon." "We don't." "Okay. I'm gonna go look at stuff now." You decide against trying to turn off the door chime while a customer is here. You [[return to the service counter|hooded guy]]. (set: $welcomewagon to true)

After a minute, you see (if: $welcomewagon is true)[the hoodied person](else:)[someone in a hoodie] approach the counter with a sandwich in their hand. "Nice that this place is open late now." "Yeah." "This is probably kind of stale by now, right?" [["Yeah."]]

You remember Sam telling you the manager mostly runs this place for the hell of it. She's not sure it turns much of a [[profit]], but he just has a lot of savings and nothing to do with them. That would probably explain why you still have a shift today after the other day's [[sales]]. [[Time to work.|next day's shift]]

You did argue with her a little over this. Sales are pretty good during regular hours. A lot of kids come by during their lunch break. "Yeah, but we keep having to put stuff on sale because it's about to expire." But then it gets sold, mostly? [[Usually???]]

It is a little bit less quiet today. You count the customers as they come in, and you can almost fill one hand, especially if you count [[yourself]]. The door chime goes off again. Since the chimes have all been real people today, you don't bother checking. You hear someone walking among the shelves and picking up a [[rustly thing]].

*sale. [[>|I guess you sold one sandwich today.]]

You got a soda while you were on break, which makes you a customer. [[>|next day's shift]]

Probably a bag of chips. You can see the chip aisle from here, but it doesn't look like anyone is there. And nobody is coming to the counter, either. You wonder if there's someone sneaking around in here. Maybe you should [[check the door]]... [[or not.]]

It might be kind of too late, but you leave the counter to guard the door. You stand there for a bit. Nobody is there. You check the aisles. Nobody is there. You head back to the counter. There is a toonie on the counter. You could [[cash it in]] or [[put it in your pocket]].

If there really is a thief, you don't really want to be the only thing between them and the door. You stay at the counter. There is silence. Then, another chip bag rustle. More footsteps? The door chimes. Hopefully that wasn't a thief… you would feel kind of bad. Nothing you can do either way, so you just [[wait until the end of your shift|Sam]]. (set: $thief to true)

Someone probably wanted to buy something while you were away, and didn't want to wait until you got back. Now you can really fill one hand's worth of customers. How nice. The door chimes. Then you just [[wait until the end of your shift|Sam]].

If someone just left it there, then it's like… a tip, right? A tip on a purchase, that they didn't make, in a convenience store, where people don't usually tip. Okay you feel kind of bad about it so you just cash it in. The door chimes. Nobody saw that, but you still feel kind of awkward as you [[wait for the end of your shift|Sam]].

When you come in for work the next morning, Sam's already there, bright-eyed and eager to greet you. "So, what do you think of the night shift? Is it super spooky?" "Not really. It's usually just quiet. (if: $thief is true)[[[... I think maybe we had a thief last night though."|thief?]]](else:)[[[Someone came in and bought something yesterday, though."|bought something?]]]

"You sound really excited." "I've never seen a ghost! Of course I'm excited. I'd join you on night shifts if I didn't need to like, sleep, and if that didn't sound like, super boring in general. I don't know how you do it." (if: $distraction is "chips")["Sometimes I take a potato chip and eat it."](else-if: $distraction is "song")["Sometimes I hum with the refrigerator."](else:)["Standing still for hours in silence is basically just sleeping anyways."] "Uhh, okay. (if: $distraction is "chips")[I hope you have something to do other than eat chips one at a time though."](else-if: $distraction is "song")[I just find the fridge noise kind of annoying."](else:)[I'm glad you. Like standing still in silence?"] [["Yeah."|keep her updated]]

"Hey, I'm heading to the bathroom. But keep me updated on that (if:$thief is true)[ghost thief](else:)[ghost], okay?" "Sure." Keep her updated… Is a ghost really that exciting? It would be unusual, sure. But you're not sure they even did more than (if:$thief is true)[rustle a bag of chips](else:)[buy a bag of chips]. [[That's something that regular customers do.]]

You check the door each time it chimes, waiting for when it doesn't correspond to a real person making a normal purchase (or just not making a purchase). (if:$welcomewagon is true)[ When hoodie guy sees you at the door, he says, "I see the welcome wagon is back!" He comes in pretty regularly now. He likes to stay up late to stargaze. You inform him that there still is not a welcome wagon and he just laughs.] The door chimes, after everyone else has left, and you can't see anyone at the door. You didn't [[see it open]] either. Should you [[check it out|check for the ghost]] or [[wait at the counter]]?

This setup where there is a small shelf that directly blocks your view of the door from the counter, so that you actually have to crane your neck to check if there's actually anyone there, really isn't the best one. Maybe you should mention it to the manager next time you see him. You could also just move the shelf yourself, considering it's small enough to do that, and the manager is so chill over the way this place is run, and he rarely even comes in. But that seems kind of rude. [[>|Is the ghost coming?]] (set:$shelf to true)

(if:$thief is true)[Last time, they snuck past you because you couldn't see the door, so if you stay at the door maybe you'll catch them on their way out.](else:)[Maybe if you do the same thing you did last time, they'll do the same thing they did last time too. Except this time you'll stay at the door, so you can catch them on their way out.] You wait a bit(if:$thief is false)[, just like last time,] and then get up and head towards the door. You hear (if:$thief is false)[the clink of coins on the counter](else:)[some sort of clinking noise] and [[turn around.]]

(if:$thief is true)[Last time, you heard some rustling around, and then [[whoever]] was in here left through the door. Maybe if you stay at the counter you can get them to do the same thing – except this time, of course, you'll keep a better eye on the door. ](else:)[Well, last time they bought something when you weren't looking, so maybe you'll catch whoever it is if you stay at the counter.] It's a bit difficult from this angle, but you do what you can. (if:$shelf is true)[That shelf really is kind of in the way, though.] [[…You hear it!]]

It's not LITERALLY hovering. It's sitting straight up on the counter, as if held there by someone, or as if it's just, well… very well balanced. [[>|turn around.]]

If there really is someone there, (if:$thief is true)[the best way to keep an eye on them is to head where they are.](else:)[the polite thing to do would be to go to the counter and complete the transaction. You are still working, after all.] You'll just keep an eye on the counter as you go. You walk straight up to the counter, making sure not to lose sight of that bag of pretzels, and then step behind it. It looks like… they've left money on the counter. You [[pick it up]].

No, if you move now (if:$thief is true)[whoever's in here will just sneak out and steal something again. The pretzels could be a distraction!](else:)[they'll just sneak out while you're walking over there, like last time.] You stare at the bag of pretzels with great intent. It doesn't move. Maybe there's nobody there. Maybe you're just staring at a bag of pretzels for no reason. Then, the bag of pretzels… rises a few inches upwards. After a moment, it flies towards you! Should you [[dodge]]? On the other hand, it's [[just a bag of pretzels]], right? (set: $scared to true)

But, like, unintentionally. [[>|pick it up]]

You don't feel like getting hit by a bag of pretzels today! You step out of the way, and a small gust hits you as the pretzels fly by your face and out the door as it swings open behind you. The door chimes. Well, unless pretzels can open doors now, it seems there really is a ghost. [[>|4th morning]]

You can probably catch it. They're just pretzels. That's what you thought, but as it slams into you you're knocked off balance and land on your butt. There's feel a gust of wind from behind you as the door chimes. That didn't feel like pretzels at all! It feels like you've been run into by a (high school) football player (who is practicing for tryouts)! Well, there's definitely SOMETHING here. You didn't know getting hit by a ghost would hurt! [[>|4th morning]]

Sam seems really pumped today. She's always more energetic than you, but she's bagging so enthusiastically she actually managed to rip one of the bags with a can of soup. Finally, during the mid-morning lull, she turns to you. "So!! Any news?" (if:$scared is true)[You debate whether [[to tell her|chase off the ghost end]] or [[not|repentance end]].](else:)[You debate whether [[to tell her|friendly end]] or [[not|my secret end]].]

If there even was someone in here... It's still perfectly possible the door chime was just being wonky again. [[>|wait at the counter]]

You turn your head as if distracted by something, and keep an eye on the snacks aisle out of the corner of your eye. Just as you'd hoped, the bag of... preztels, it seems, starts coming towards you, carried by some unseen force. They hover in front of the counter, and out of [[somewhere]] a few coins appear and clink down on the counter. (if:$thief is true)[Guess you didn't have a thief after all, just a shy customer…] (if:$thief is true)[Either way, i](else:)[I]f you're gonna [[make a move]], you should do it now! Otherwise you could just [[let them go]]…

You reach out to grab the pretzel bag. Contact! As you grab the bag of pretzels, it pulls away from you. But you won't let go! Suddenly, the bag explodes with an underwhelming POP! You hear the crunch of pretzels underfoot and see the shelf in front of you wobble before the chime of the door tells you the mysterious pretzel-bag floater has escaped. [[It's quiet again.]]

Well, what you wanted was proof, not to scare your… friendly neighbourhood pretzel buyer. You take the coins. "Looks like exact change. Well, thanks for your purchase!" [[You nod]] at whoever it is that's here.

Sam's never this excited about talking to you. Of course you're telling her. "The ghost bought a bag of pretzels from me. With exact change and everything." "Oh. That's… surprisingly normal. So they're just a regular customer, huh? …I didn't think ghosts could eat pretzels." "They could be buying them just to have. [[They could have a whole collection.]]"

(if: $pretzeldust is true)["The ghost and I fought over a bag of pretzels. They blew up and everything."](else:)["The ghost attacked me with a bag of pretzels."] "Whoa! You've got a real vengeful spirit right there!" "I don't know. I'm pretty sure I just startled them." (if: $pretzeldust is true)["They made a bag of pretzels explode!!!!](else:)["They tried to kill you with pretzels!!!!] That's practically a signal of war!!!!" "I guess…" "Don't worry, Earnest. I'll be there tonight, and [[we'll drive them out together!|last night - chase off the ghost]]"

You feel like you probably scared the ghost last night. If you tell Sam now, she'll probably go hunting for them and scare them even more. Sam looks at you expectantly. "Earnest?" You just sigh. …You really do feel bad about the whole thing. Maybe you should do something to [[make it better]].

You get to have secrets, don't you? Besides, Sam is so nosy all the time. You bet the ghost wouldn't like her anyways. "I didn't see anything. I just had normal customers last night." It's not even a lie. "Huh… well, that's too bad. Maybe it's just a broken door chime, after all." "Yeah." [[>|last night - my secret]]

Sam shows up right as you're getting to the counter. It's still a working night. But she seems content to sit with you and chat while customers filter in and out. It's not like you get a lot of people on night shifts anyways. It's nearing the end of the night. Nobody is here. "Earnest, come on! [[We gotta prepare.|prepare - friends]]"

You wait all night for a door chime when nobody is there. [[Instead, what you get are regular customers.]]

Your shift goes mostly as expected. It's quiet enough that the place is probably losing money, but luckily you're very proficient at doing nothing. It's near the end of the night, when the place is completely empty, that the ghost shows up again. Same bag of pretzels, same exact change. "Thanks for your purchase. Have a nice day!" [[Same silent exit.]]

The door chimes again. "That door chime is kind of broken, yeah?" "Yeah. Your total is $3.23." "Here. And I think I have a quarter… oh, there we are." "Have a nice day!" [[I guess you sold one sandwich today.]]

Well, you can definitely keep an eye out for the ghost for Sam's sake. It makes you happy when she's happy. She's a good friend. (if:$thief is true)[And if you could catch a ghost thief in the act, she'd probably be really impressed.](else:)[Maybe you can introduce the ghost to her, and then you'd have two friends.] [[You wonder if the ghost will be here tonight.|Is the ghost coming?]]

Well, even if you don't care that much about ghosts yourself,(if:$thief is true)[ if there is a ghost thief, it would be good to keep an eye out for them anyways. What if they couldn't move on to the next world because they were tormented over stealing potato chips in life? That would be really sad.](else:)[ if there is a ghost customer, it would be good to keep an eye on what they're buying anyways. Otherwise, if they become a regular, keeping track of inventory could get annoying.] [[You wonder if they'll come in tonight.|Is the ghost coming?]]

It's the rustling of an unidentified snack bag. You stare straight down the aisle of snacks, trying to (if:$thief is true)[catch the perpetrator](else:)[catch a glimpse of the mysterious customer]. But it doesn't look like anything's happening. Maybe they're nervous. You decide to [[turn your head away]] for a moment, to see if they'll get bolder.

They came from somewhere below the counter, so it's hard to tell if they like, were conjured out of nothing or if they were sitting in an unseen coin pouch or something. [[>|turn your head away]]

All that was left behind is pretzels all over the counter and floor. There's still money on the counter too… whoever that was, they gave you exact change(if: $thief is false)[ again]. Oops… It feels like you messed up there. But at least you have proof of the ghost now! [[>|4th morning]] (set: $scared to true) (set: $pretzeldust to true)

After a pause, the bag of pretzels tilts as if nodding back to you, then floats away towards the door. This time, you catch the door opening. The door chimes. Well, unless there is something you ought to know about pretzels, it seems there *is* a ghost here. [[>|4th morning]]

By prepare, she means… buying a bunch of pretzels and leaving them on the counter. She has you make a sign on the back of a poster. (font: "verdana")[HI GHOST. HERE ARE SOME PRETZELS FOR YOU, PLEASE STAY AND TALK TO US.] Sam crosses her arms suddenly. "I wonder if ghosts can read. They don't have eyes, so they shouldn't be able to see anything." "If they couldn't see anything, they would have bigger problems than reading." [["True."]]

You feel quietly pleased with yourself. There isn't a lot that goes on in your life. You've never really done anything of notice. And now you've got something that nobody else has – a secret ghost customer, who sneaks in in the dead of night to buy pretzels. You've never kept anything from Sam before. But that was because you had nothing *to* keep from her. It's a bit thrilling not to tell her something she really would love to know. [[You're looking forward to your next night shift.|end]] (set: $end to "A Secret Ghost")

(align: "=><=")[End: (print: $end) Thanks for playing! (link: "Restart?")[(reload:)]]

You're working the night shift at the 24-hr convenience store on Main Street. Yes, there is [[only one.]] This is kind of new for you. There didn't used to be a night shift, but the manager thought it would be good to capture the [[late-night crowd.]] [[It's quiet.]]

(align: "=><=")[NIGHT SHIFT a story about ghosts by: littlerat [[click to start.|to start]]]

Nobody is there by the end of the night. You decide to take down the poster until your next night shift – the ghost only comes around when it's dark, anyways. At the tail end of your next shift, when it's so late you've started to nod off a little, the door chimes. Probably just a customer… You look up when you hear the sound of tape ripping. You look over at the door, squinting – and then you notice that [[your poster isn't in the window anymore.]]

It takes you a moment to find your poster floating quietly over to the counter. Then there's a small rustling from the back of the counter, and one of the pens you keep back there comes up over the paper. (font:"Garamond")[sorry… i didn't mean to attack you] "That's okay. (if:$pretzeldust is true)[I kind of tried to take your pretzels after you'd already bought them."](else:)[I kind of blocked you from getting out of the building."] (font:"Garamond")[yeah i panicked] [["Sorry."]]

(font:"Garamond")[but i do think i'm trapped it started a few years ago. when people called my name it just started to sound fake when i looked at myself i just started to feel fake when i spoke i didn't know whose voice was coming out (css: "font-size: 90%; line-height: 90%")[and it got worse and worse and then i just woke up one day and nobody could see or hear me anymore]] They pause. [[You're not sure what to say.]]

You pass them a tissue, and they look at you, wide-eyed. At least, you're pretty sure they do. You definitely feel some kind of presence. "you can hear me?" "Yeah." "oh… wow…" There's a pause. "do you mind if i just… stand next to you for a while…" [["Sure."]]

They step around the counter and settle next to you. From here, you can feel a warm and solid presence. By squinting a little bit you manage to put your hand on theirs. It feels just like any other person's... or maybe a bit warmer, actually. "thanks… it sounds kind of weird, but, i kind of forgot what human contact was like…" "I don't really talk to anyone but Sam, so I get it." [["she sounds nice."]]

"She is. Mostly." There's a small laugh, and then the presence pulls away. "i don't. really know if i can ever go back to normal again. i disappeared a long time ago. i don't know who i am anymore. but. at least i managed to feel a little bit like a regular person today. thank you." "It was good meeting you." "yeah. um." You feel like you're forgetting [[something]].

By prepare, she means squatting in front of the door, watching it extra keenly all night. You do get a regular old lady in the door at one point, but luckily she doesn't mind when you jump up to get back to the counter. The next time the door chimes, nobody is there. Sam starts screaming immediately. You start right afterwards, following her jumping and kicking and arm flailing like the world's loudest synchronized swimmers. At one point while you're banging pots and pans she knocks a whole shelf over. [[Then it's quiet.]]

It takes you two half an hour to clean everything up. Then, you sit on the floor in the brightly lit silence. Sam laughs. "That was fun! We should do that again some time." You're still buzzing from all of the excitement. Your ears are ringing a little. [[You nod.]]

"Great! I'll see if I can get some more night shifts in my schedule. The boss is such a loon he'd probably believe us if we said it's packed in here every night." "Are you sure?" "Hey, don't worry. I'll take care of it." You nod again. You're just happy she wants to hang out with you more often. "See you tomorrow!" [[You're looking forward to your next night shift.|end]] (set: $end to "Goodbye, Ghost.")

The next time the door chimes nobody is there. Sam stares eagerly at the door, waiting for the ghost to come in. You also stare at the door, wondering if any regular customers will come in and wonder about the giant pile of pretzels on the counter. Nothing happens for a long moment, or at least nothing you can see. [["…so many…"]]

You don't see anything in front of you, but you do hear something. (css: "font-size: 80%;")["…for me?"] The voice is small and…. hopeful? Incredulous? Mostly baffled, really. "Yeah, Sam bought them." "Earnest who are you talking t[[O OH MY GOD THE GHOST IS HERE – ]]"

She slams her hands excitedly on the counter, causing all of the pretzel bags to go flying. There's a big thump as something bigger falls to the ground too, and then the crunch of many sad pretzels. You peer over the counter and see the rough silhouette of a human covered in pretzel dust. [["Do ghosts usually have legs?"]]

"Oh, sorry." Whoever this is, they're still curled on the floor. "Hi. Sorry the pretzels are on the floor, but you can still have them. We bought them so like, if you're trapped in the world of the living because of a pretzel tragedy, we could help you move on." It's quiet for a long moment. (css: "font-size: 80%;")["i… just like pretzels…"] [["Oh."|"Oh. Cool."]]

(css: "font-size: 80%;")["nobody's ever tried to give me stuff before… people don't usually even talk to me. so i stopped talking too, and then when i tried to start again nobody could hear me. ] (css: "font-size: 75%;")[and then i stopped looking at people, and then people stopped being able to see me either.] (css: "font-size: 70%;")[so i've just been alone since then… "] "Wow, that sucks!!! I don't get it at all, but like, you wanna go out for a burger some time?" You like burgers. [[You decide this is a good idea.]]

You still can't see this person, but you feel like you can sense a bit of their presence now. Something warm and happy. This wasn't really what you were expecting when you came to work today, but you're pleased anyways. [[You're looking forward to your next night shift.|end]] (set: $end to "A New Friend")

"Neat!" "Sam, stealing is bad." "Hey, it wasn't me, you know? Did you catch a glimpse of them?" "No. I'm not even sure there was anyone there." "Huh. [[Or maybe we have a ghost thief!"|excited about ghosts]]

"Bought something?? Really? Weird." "No, a few people come in at night. I mean, someone bought something but I didn't see them do it. They just left a toonie on the counter." "Huh?? Are you sure you didn't leave it there yourself?" "Yeah." "Neat! [[Maybe we've got a ghost."|excited about ghosts]]

And sure you couldn't see them or hear them, but people don’t see or hear you that often either. They interact with you when they want to buy something, sure, but it's not like they would say hi to you on the street. [[You're glad you have Sam|If it weren't for Sam]]... Without her, [[you'd be kind of like a ghost yourself.]]

Sam brightens right up at the comment. "I really pulled out all the stops for this one!!! I mean, I could have bought pretzels from the supermarket for way cheaper, but like, store loyalty, y'know?" She's looking at you, but you didn't say anything. You feel the need to [[look in front of you]] suddenly, even though nobody is there.

(css: "font-size: 80%;")["ow… i… what's happening… i'm not even a ghost???"] "OH MY GOD THEY'RE NOT A GHOST THEY'RE AN INVISIBLE PERSON THAT'S EVEN COOLER -- " (css: "font-size: 90%;")["wait -- you can hear me??"] "YEAH????" (css: "font-size: 80%;")["oh, I –](css: "font-size: 70%;")[ uh –] (css: "font-size: 60%;")[mm…"] The invisible person's voice starts fading as they curl into themself. [["Indoor voice, Sam."]]

(css: "font-size: 60%;")["nobody can even see me… how am i supposed to order…"] "I'll do it for you! I'm just, so stoked to have an invisible friend? That's so cool???" [["…okay. if you say so."]]

Only one night shift, and only one convenience store on main street, let alone 24-hour convenience store. It's a small town. [[>|to start]]

You peer around (if:$shelf is true)[the poorly-placed shelf](else:)[a shelf blocking your view] and see a bag of pretzels [[hovering]] on the counter. Is… someone trying to purchase something? Maybe you should [[head back to the counter.]]… but [[that isn't the plan]].

(if:$thief is true)[Oh. It seems they weren't stealing after all. Then why were they sneaking around like that last time? Either way, you should complete the transaction.](else:)[Just like last time... except the purchasable item is still here. So you suppose you should complete the transaction.] "Looks like this is the exact change… well, thanks for your purchase. Have a nice day!" [[Nothing happens.]]

"Maybe they had just bought a bag of pretzels when they died. And that's what's keeping them bound to the mortal coil. They never got to have that last snack." "I feel kind of bad for them…" "You never know, we might be able to do something! I'm free tonight. Let's figure this out together." [["Okay."|last night - friends]]

You start to wonder if you're [[talking to yourself]]. Then, with a rustle, the bag of pretzels comes up off the counter, floating for a moment in front of you, before it briskly moves towards the door. This time, you catch the door opening. The door chimes. Looks like there really is a ghost! [[>|4th morning]]

"It's not like this place is gonna go under even if it is in the red. If money was a problem for this guy he'd come in more often than like, once a month to stack soup cans and tell us to keep it up." True. But you like to think that's just because he has a lot of faith in his employees. [[>|I guess you sold one sandwich today.]]

"When you make someone sad, what's a good way of saying sorry?" "Huh? …Was there no ghost? You know, you can just tell me. It's not your fault if you missed it." "Mm… well, I don't know yet…" "I mean, if you *want* to make it up to me, I won't say no. You wanna like, buy me a soda or something? As like, a peace offering." A peace offering… [[not a bad idea|last night - repentance]].

[[There's nothing at the next shift either. ]]

On the third night [[you get an idea.]]

You grab a pen from your bag and start scribbling ideas on the back of some old flyers. Once you're satisfied, you tape up your masterpiece in the window. (font:"Verdana")[SORRY ABOUT THE PRETZEL INCIDENT I'LL GET YOU A NEW BAG IF YOU COME BACK] [[The door chimes.]]

It's just hoodie guy, here on his regular rounds. "Nice sign. What's that all about?" "I scared someone who likes pretzels and now they don't shop here anymore." "Hope you find them." [[You hope so too.]]

You take a moment to feel bad before speaking again. "You're a ghost, right? Are you like, trapped here? Can I help you somehow?" For a moment, there's nothing. Then, in slow, deliberate letters… (font:"Garamond")[i'm not a ghost] [["Oh."]]

Before you can come up with anything they start writing again. (font:"Garamond")[(css: "font-size: 80%; line-height: 70%")[for a while i thought i was dead but i still have to eat and sleep and stuff, and i can still touch things normally ](css: "font-size: 70%; line-height: 50%")[i stopped trying to go grocery shopping a while ago, everyone just kept running into me. i thought maybe I could just stay inside and get delivery instead, but i started to go kind of stir-crazy ](css: "font-size: 60%; line-height: 30&;")[i figured at least this place is open late so i can come in without bothering anyone, but then you noticed me]] (css: "font-size: 50%;")[and i got scared] Their handwriting gets smaller and messier as they squeeze it around your own. You're so caught up watching them that it takes you a moment to realize [[you can hear sniffling.]]

[["Oh! I still owe you a bag of pretzels!"]]

You grab a bag of pretzels and pass it to them – making sure to pay first, of course. They hold it closely to their chest. "you really got me pretzels... thank you." "it was really nice talking to you today. i hope… i get to do this next time too." "Yeah. Maybe I can introduce you to Sam some time. I think she'd like you." "yeah... that would be nice." [[You're looking forward to your next night shift.|end]] (set: $end to "Forgiveness")