🔵 By Nora Sandoval. Photo by lauragrafie.
As the clocked ticked away, approaching 8pm on a New Year’s eve. Zoe walked to the front of the room, to adjust the neon “open” sign of the gas station. It was her turn on the graveyard shift. In the background, she heard the excited party-goers. “Oh”, how she loved the energy, this time of year.
There was a huge rush of customers fueling up before heading to Manhattan to celebrate. She rang up bottles of Champagne, beer, snacks and soft drinks. After a while, she was all alone with the radio playing “Thank God” by Kane Brown in the background. As the hours passed by, Zoe noticed him, a man outside. He had a long coat and just the way he moved, it scared her. He walked back and forth looking around. She was tempted to tun to the front door and lock it and hide behind the counter, to watch the monitor.
Zoe leaned on the counter, contemplating on her next move. The minutes ticked away slowly, her terror rising. The man passed by once again, this time their eyes locked. She felt froze on the spot. Gathering her courage, she slipped into her jacket and walked outside. She called out, “Hey, you been walking by, what’s up?” The man stops, her heart skips a beat. She thinks to herself, “Well, it’s a little too late to turn back, be courageous, stand your ground. The faster you get done with this, the faster it will be over.”
He takes a step closer, he whispers, “I need help, I lost my sister Denise at a party. She was a little drunk and I am worried, don’t know what to do.”
Zoe relaxed and said, “I can help you.” She learned his name, Dilan, and details of the night. She locked thew gas station door, pulled out her phone to get locations of all the parties in the area. Together, they ventured through the streets. The city was alive, with fireworks in the distance. Hours passed by as they made their way from party to party, with no luck. The countdown started as they reached the last party. Dilan all of a sudden broke into a sprint. All she could do is follow with her gaze. Dilan reached a young girl slumped on a table.
Her thoughts went back to the events of the night. She misjudged him. She was scared at first, now she watched with such warmth in her heart. She walked over to them and helped Dilan carry Denise by the arm to a nearby taxi. As they settle in, Dilan asks, “Where do I drop you off?” She says, “Back to the gas station.” He asks, “Can I call you sometime?” She gives him her number and gets off the taxi. Watches as it drives away. In the moment, a new years night unfolded for Zoe. A year filled with new possibilities. She had stepped out of her comfort zone, ready to embrace the uncertainty that lay ahead, including new friendships.