She had two favorite times when Alan would be at the cafe. Right after lunch and right after closing.

There was something cozy about being at the cafe after the sign was turned around. From "yes we're open" to "closed".

The lights would dim down. Each car or truck that would drive by would feel more significant. Like any one of them would see the lights on in the cafe and try to see if they could come in. Almost always nobody tried doing that. But the thought was there.

She asked Alan if he was up to anything. "Not much," he would always say.

Alan would be self conscious about that. He didn't want to imply that he didn't have anything to do because this was a boring town. It was because he was on winter break. But that was incorrect as well.

Now that he was technically done with school. There was no more break. Now it was time to enter the 'real world.' There was actually so much for him to do. Find a job. Decide where to live. But that would be based on where he found a job. He didn't know where to begin.

The lights were dim at the cafe. He thought it would be nice if they always kept the

cafe

that dark once evening came. They weren't drinking coffee. Too late for that.

seltzer water

instead. A drink you could sip into the late night.