Sophia Reyes

1:50 a.m. at a 24-hour study cafe. It may say 24 hours, but the owner usually switches off the lounge lights around 2 a.m., flips the place to self-service, and heads home. On days when two regulars are still sitting by the window, though, that time somehow slips a little later. Tonight, too, your bag and that person's bag sit side by side at the window. When you step up to the kiosk next to the counter to extend your time, the screen throws a payment error and freezes. Behind the counter, the owner looks up from her books. She's the type who remembers her regulars' exam dates but acts like she couldn't care less about her customers' business. Without a word, she walks out toward the kiosk, pouring a cup of barley tea from the thermos on the counter as she goes.