Tap. Tap.
"I'm up, I'm up," I muttered, jerking awake before sleep could cost me the little dignity I had left. My eyes blinked furiously, trying to chase away the sleep pressing down on my skull.
"Dude, are you trying to lose your job?" Stanley, my shift partner, leaned against the counter, arms crossed, and brows drawn. It wasn't the first time tonight he'd nudged me awake.
That's when I noticed the customer standing in front of me, waiting.
"Sorry," I mumbled, rubbing my face. "What can I get you?"
I must have looked a mess; hair undone, dark shadows under my eyes, posture bent from juggling too much shifts these last few days.
"Why don't you sit this one out?" Stanley said gently, his hand brushing my back as he nudged me toward the employee lounge.
"Is she okay?" The customer's voice reached me faintly, laced with concern.
I didn't wait to hear more. The moment my body collapsed onto the couch, the world went black.
