THE HEAVENTREE OF STARS HUNG WITH HUMID NIGHTBLUE FRUIT

by Elizabeth Akhimie



KELLY WORKS THE NIGHT SHIFT. SHE STOCKS THE BEERS THEN DRINKS ONE IN
THE BREAKROOM. HER PHONE DIED ON THE DRIVE OVER. SHE KEEPS TAPPING
HER POCKET AND FINDING THAT IT'S NOT THERE. THE FUCKING MUSIC. SHE
GOES OUT AND SMOKES BY THE GAS TANKS AND OFFERS TO PUMP THE GAS FOR
A CUSTOMER EVEN THOUGH IT'S ILLEGAL BECAUSE SHE'S BORED. THE
CUSTOMER IS DRUNK IN A WHOLESOME AND UNTHREATENING AND
THOROUGHLY PROFESSIONAL WAY. HE CRANKS THE SEAT BACK AND FALLS
ASLEEP. HE STAYS THERE SLEEPING LONG AFTER KELLY FINISHES PUMPING THE
GAS. SHE GRINDS HER CIGARETTE OUT ON THE PUMP. SHE TAPS HER POCKET.
BENEATH THE GASOLINE THE AIR SMELLS LEADEN. SHE TAPS HER POCKET. PINE
TREES LOOK LIKE CARTOON MOUNTAINS WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN. SHE'S
OUT OF CIGARETTES. THERE'S SMOKE ABOVE THE TREELINE. THE MAN IS
SNORING. SHE GOES AROUND AND OPENS THE PASSENGER SIDE DOOR AND SITS
INSIDE AND CRANKS THE SEAT BACK AND LOOKS UP AT THE UPHOLSTERY
CEILING. SHE CAN'T SEE THE STARS.

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