Brittany's POV

When my shift finally ends, I feel completely drained. I try suggesting to Maris that I stick around and help her with closing, but she adamantly refuses. She reminds me it’s my turn to lock up with her, yet she insists since it’s been a quiet day, and knowing I’ve been there the entire time, she practically shoves me out the door.

The street greets me with biting cold, the kind of chill that creeps under your skin. It’s foreign compared to ...