#lycangene002

                    “   Hate to do this, buddy, but if you’re gonna finish that, now would be the time.   I’m closing up in five.   ”     The diner is barren of customers by now, save for one   –––   a lone night owl nested in one of the booths, seemingly in no rush to vacate.   Apology adorns her lips, a fleeting glance ventured as she wipes down the counter.   Patience wears thin beneath the stoic surface;   the dull throb inside her skull begging for relief only sleep can provide.