Veronica

Veronica's eyelids feel like they're made out of lead. The numb buzzing in her skull tells her that she's been standing at that cash register for seven hours and fifteen days. Well, it's technically only been three hours. Time tends to warp and drag when you're an employee in this store.

"No sir. You cannot use that coupon. It's for a completely different store." "Sir, that item is not for sale. Look at the front of it, there's a label that says 'Not for Sale.'" "Ma'am, as you can clearly see, the power is out. No, the registers are not working at the moment."

It's all so tiresome.

The generic pop music playing over the speakers, the droning light from the bulbs on the ceiling, and the chatter of the patrons around Veronica all serve to feed the vortex of agony swirling behind her eyes. Is this it? Is this what the rest of her life is going to be like? Seems like it. She's already failed, anyway. Might as well accept it.

"Next please."

When the next patron steps up to the register, Veronica's breath is stolen away.

"...Guest?"

Of all people? How long has it been now?

"Do you remember me? I'm Veronica. You know, from college?"