Adhar alone.
Counting the register.
It’s not much.
ADHAR (mumbling under his breath):
“This neighborhood… cheap people…
Need better customers.”
He locks the register. Then goes to his office to finish his nightly paperwork, on the desk he hates, at the back of the store.
Adhar raises his palm again.
ADHAR (a little too forceful):
“I thought I told you to go home. Also, when I said do not come back tomorrow. That means you’re fired. Do not… come back… tomorrow!”
Duvid storms out. The little bell clanging loud enough for Adhar to hear it clearly at the back of the store.
Adhar shakes his head, finishes his paperwork. Gathers his belongings, and kills the lights.
---
The street is quieter now.
Adhar locks the front door.
Turns.
And stops.
Across the small parking lot.
Standing near the edge of the light.
The Marker.
Still.
Watching.
Adhar squints.
Steps closer.
ADHAR:
“Who are you?”
Adhar’s breath shortens. The air feels heavier.
The world narrows. Too late, Adhar feels a
pressing on his mind.
And stay white.
For a while. Silent.
Still. The Marker reads him.
No sound.
Just stillness.
---
A long beat.
Then—
Adhar blinks rapidly.
His eyes roll briefly, then return to normal.
The parking lot is empty.
He looks around.
Alone. Confused.
ADHAR (nervously to himself):
“Ridiculous…”
He tries to shake it off.
Unlocks his dented Saab door..
Gets in.
Starts the engine.
The headlights sweep across the lot.
Nothing there.