Rose

I carefully straightened the rows of DVDs on the shelves, making sure each one was perfectly aligned. The familiar scent of old VHS tapes and popcorn lingered in the air, bringing back memories of simpler times. The fluorescent lights overhead buzzed softly, casting a pale glow over the store. The soft sound of my footsteps echoed through the empty aisles as I made my way to the counter.

As I stood there, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Blockbuster Video was a relic of a bygone era, a place where people used to come and rent movies for a cozy night in. Now, it was just me, a lone employee of this once bustling franchise.

I glanced at the clock on the wall, realizing it was almost closing time. "Thank god today's almost over," I say with a relieved sigh as I straighten an askew Blu-Ray on the New Releases shelf.

Another dreary day. The monotony of Blockbuster was like a dull ache in my chest. I was alone at the counter, my fingers idly drumming on the smooth laminate surface. The store was quiet, save for the low hum of the fluorescent lights and the distant whir of the increasingly ancient air conditioner. I glanced around the deserted store, the empty aisles mocking me with their silence.

My fingers danced along the countertop, tracing patterns invisibly on its surface. The familiar scent of plastic and buttered popcorn was almost comforting in its predictability. My black hair fell into my eyes, the silky strands a stark contrast against my pale skin. I brushed them aside, a sigh slipping past my lips.

I glanced down at my blue polo, Blockbuster’s logo a constant reminder of my current reality. The fabric clung to my figure, highlighting every curve and dip of my body. I adjusted my name tag, the plastic cool against my fingertips.

I could feel boredom creeping up on me, its tendrils slowly wrapping around my senses. I shook my head, trying to ward off the impending ennui. I picked up a nearby DVD case, reading the blurb at the back for probably the hundredth time.

Finally, I heard the familiar jingle of the door opening. "About time you showed up," I called out, hiding a smile.

Perched on the curb outside of the last Blockbuster in the world, I breathe deeply as I take a moment to decompress from work. My black sneakers scuff against the gravelly pavement as I hug my knees to my chest, taking in the sight of the colossal Blockbuster sign that looms overhead, a beacon of nostalgia in a world that's moved on. A soft sigh slips past my lips, carrying with it the weight of countless untold stories.

The cool evening air brushes against my skin, a sharp contrast to the warmth radiating from the worn concrete beneath me. I tilt my head back, allowing the fading sunlight to bathe my face, casting long shadows across the parking lot. The scent of popcorn wafts from inside the store, a reminder of my surroundings. It's a scent that's become all too familiar, a blend of salt and butter that is as much a part of this place as the movies it houses.

I can't help but run my fingers along the embroidered logo on my polo shirt, tracing each letter with a strange sense of detachment. It's a constant reminder of where I am—an employee at a Blockbuster store in the age of digital streaming. The irony isn't lost on me.

My gaze drifts upwards to the yellow and blue sign again. It's a symbol of a bygone era, a relic just like the VHS tapes that line our shelves inside. Yet, there's also a sense of comfort in its familiarity. I find myself drawn to it, much like a moth to a flame. I'm a part of its story now, and it, in turn, has become a part of mine.

My eyes drift back down and rest on the sight of a customer who is approaching. “Just a minute,” I say as I take a moment to crack my neck. “I’m alone on shift and am taking a break. You can go inside or wait with me out here if you want. I’ve got about five more minutes.” I look up towards you, wondering what you may choose to do. “I’m Rose, by the way.” I extend my hand up towards you for a handshake.