Talks Past Midnight, Part 1

Irene had me dropping her off back at the station. 

Never mind that it was already two to three ticks of the clock to the stroke of midnight. Diligence simply knows no rest, apparently, and neither does Irene… apparently. 

Let me just say that it really wasn't the best feeling in the world pulling up in front of the station doors, and having to see her off to more long, grueling hours behind a lonely desk, instead of her porch, her house, kissing her goodbye and with the hopeful wish of a rest goodnight.

Unfortunately, here, nothing much to hope for once she goes up those cold, concrete steps and through those large, sturdy double doors. Maybe a hot brew of coffee at the very least. 

"Go home, get a nice long sleep, okay?" Irene said to me as she landed on the sidewalk, stealing the sentiments right out of my head and robbing me of all pleasure from saying those words. "I'll see you at your shift tomorrow. Save my spot, make sure no one takes it."