Page 17 of Echoes of Eternity

Chivonn feigned a gasp. “Now that’s a business idea! Get inked while you’re on your way to the next destination. I can see it now: ‘Tattoo and Taxi—Two for One.’”

“Just make sure to avoid the bumpy roads,” Jake added, snickering before shoving a snack in his mouth. “We wouldn’t want your clients ending up with abstract art instead of clean lines!”

We all burst into laughter, the playful banter filling the shop and pushing away any lingeringworries.

As the laughter died down, I glanced at the clock and realized my shift was over ten minutes ago. “Well, I should probably get going,” I said, stretching my arms.

Chivonn rolled her eyes dramatically. “You’re leaving me here to deal with the craziness alone? What if my car tries to attack me again?”

I laughed at her dramatics. “You’ll survive! Just remember to bring a helmet next time you get in.”

Jake chimed in, dusting his hands of crumbs, “Or maybe just start a carpool with me. I promise my bike is much more reliable.”

Chivonn shot him a playful glare. “Yeah, right. I’d rather take my chances with the car.”

As I gathered my things, Sam, our other coworker with a handlebar mustache who had just popped in, raised an eyebrow. “What’s this about a car? Should I be worried?”

Chivonn waved him off. “It’s just my overly dramatic way of saying my car is falling apart. No big deal.”

“Sounds like a big deal to me,” Sam said, grinning. “Maybe I should start a GoFundMe for your car repairs.”

“Ha-Ha. Very funny.” she shot back, smirking. “But really, if you want to help, just bring me food from that food truck festival tonight. Or, you know, send the higher-paying clients my way.”

I felt a rush of warmth when I looked around at my friends, their banter filling the shop with a sense of camaraderie. “Alright, I’m heading out. You guys behave, and don’t let Chivonn’s car drive you into a ditch!”

“Yeah, yeah,” Chivonn called, waving me off. “Enjoy your evening!”

As I stepped out into the cool night air, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. The earlier tension faded, replaced by the thrill of spontaneity. But just as I turned to walk away, a sudden gust of wind swirled around me, making the hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

I paused, glancing back at the shop, a shiver running through me. Had I just imagined that? Shaking it off, I decided to embrace the night ahead, unaware that it held surprises yet to unfold.

8

The fluorescent lightsof the grocery store buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow over the aisles lined with neatly stacked goods. I navigated the cart with practiced ease, my movements sharp and purposeful. The rhythmic clatter of the wheels against the linoleum floor was a small comfort, a distraction from the tension that had been building in my life.

My tattoos, intricate and bold, drew curious glances from other shoppers. They were more than just art—they were part of my story, my way of reclaiming my identity. But today, it seemed they had attracted more attention than usual, and not the kind I welcomed.

“Hey there,” a voice broke through the monotony of the store's background noise. I turned to see a man in his mid-thirties with an expression that hinted at casual interest. His gaze lingered on my tattoos with a mix of admiration and something more disquieting.

“Hi,” I said, offering a polite but uninviting smile. “Can I help you with something?”

“I couldn’t help but notice your tattoos,” he said, leaning slightly closer making me want to recoil. “They’re pretty amazing. I’ve got a thing for unique ink. Ever thought about showing them off somewhere more exclusive?”

I stiffened, the same old line playing out once again. “Thanks for the compliment, but I’m just here to get groceries.”

Why did guys think this move worked? Did they really believe that throwing out a cheesy pickup line in the produce aisle was the way to a girl’s heart? I mean, sure, I appreciated the compliment, but I was clearly focused on my shopping, not on finding a date.

He didn’t take the hint. “I’m Jason. Maybe we could grab a coffee sometime? I’d love to hear more about them.”

My mind raced while I decided on how to respond. Did he really think I’d just drop everything for a cup of coffee with a guy I didn’t know, one with mediocre pick up lines? I glanced at the oranges I was holding, half-expecting them to offer me better advice than this guy.

My patience was wearing thin. “I’m not interested. Please, let me finish my shopping.”

Jason’s smile faltered but didn’t disappear. “Come on, it’s just coffee. No harm in that.”

I could feel irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. “I said no,” I replied firmly, putting the oranges down to look at apples instead. The crispness of the fruitwas comforting, a reminder of the mundane task at hand.

As I focused on selecting the perfect apple, I felt his gaze linger, the air thick with an uncomfortable tension. Why couldn’t he take the hint? It was as if my disinterest only fueled his determination. I could almost hear the internal dialogue of my friends in my head, reminding me to stand my ground and establish dominance in the midst of predators.

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