9:30 PM, need a drink, run up to the corner gas station, bring drink to register, say “hey,” the cashier is behind the counter looking down counting money…for a long minute…without acknowledging me.
me: what time do you all close? (thinking it must be very soon if he’s already counting)
him: 10:45
me: hmmmm…that’s kinda random time…
him: yeah it’s so we can close up and have everything ready and can get out of here at 11.
me: what about the people who see your lights on at 10:35 and figure you must be open til 11 and come try to buy something at 10:50?
him: (blank stare)