6:42 AM
The pharmacy hadn't changed. Same pristine shelves, same blinding white lights, same air that smelled like lavender hand sanitizer.
It was too early for anyone normal to be around. Parking lot was empty besides her car and one other one— probably Vargas'.
Inside, an acoustic cover of another overplayed pop song filled the air—Claire couldn't remember the name. "Way of You?" No, that wasn't right. Whatever.
Behind the counter, same girl. Choppy black hair, thick eyeliner, piercings that looked like they hurt to sleep in. Riley.
She looked up at Claire this time and said flatly, "Oh. It's you again."
Claire kept walking. "Thrilled to see you too."
Riley made a noise that might've been a snort and reached lazily for the keys. No questions. No further smug remarks this time. Just turned and started walking towards the back.
