Chapter 159

Elara’s POV

At register three, the clockwork dial above the exit doors read exactly 8:47 PM.

I was still here, exactly thirteen minutes past my continuous eight-hour shift. But Mia was somewhere across town with "Tuesday Derek," leaving me to cover for her absence. Register two sat dark and empty, and the chaotic line at my register snaked back past the bread aisle like a living, breathing accusation.

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