Chapter 27: Running Out Of Time
The bell above the glass door jingled as Tyler stepped into the clothing store, his sneakers squeaking lightly against the polished linoleum floor.
The air inside was cool—overly so from the humming AC vents—and carried that familiar mix of detergent, cardboard, and plastic hangers.
It was a mid-sized neighborhood store, the kind that used to be everywhere—local, functional, and modest.
There were no glossy displays or mood lighting—just rows of plain metal racks packed tight with jeans, polo shirts, and cotton sweaters in basic colors.
The ceiling lights buzzed faintly overhead. The walls were bare white, with faded posters showing outdated fashion trends from five years ago.
A small CRT television hung from a corner, playing static-filled morning news. Somewhere near the back, an old boombox could be heard playing a R&B song on low volume, the tape occasionally wobbling as if it was tired of holding itself together.
Tyler took a slow breath as he glanced around.
Even though it had been years from his perspective since he was last here, nothing had changed.
Technically, it had been years due to his unique circumstances—but in reality, he was just here last year with his mom and Devin.
This was the same store he and Devin used to come to with their mom—on payday, when they could afford a "new" outfit. Back then due to how difficult things were for them, even second-tier jeans from this place were a luxury.
He walked past the discount rack near the entrance and picked up a gray hoodie. $19.99. And he blinked in slight surprise.