Just A Milk

The station was usually busy, built to accommodate semi trucks and newer than the one across the road. It was late when we stopped, so the lack of traffic was not unexpected. Lights were on brightly and a lone couple drank coffee at one of the 3 booths.

I pulled open the door in a hurry to get out of the cold and to the restroom. The large lemonade with my dinner had worked its way through me. The couple glanced up at me as I passed, eyes fixed on my destination.

The shelves nearest me were oddly empty. I barely had time to consider the lack of goods as the restroom was thankfully just as empty. Two of the refrigerator units nearest the restroom were dark and empty, too.

My husband had asked me for a milk, so as the door swung shut on the flushing toilet I approached the lit sections of the refrigeration units. They had milk. I passed more empty shelves on the way to the lone cashier, clearly bored. The couple left.

"Just a milk!" I smiled sweetly. Something told me it was a good thing I wasn't alone.