The following scene was written from the prompt: "You pull up to a drive-thru window, and the cashier is crying." Note that this is a standalone scene and doesn't connect to any books. It also may have errors as it was just a random writing sprint. Content notes: Talk of loss of loved one. Hope you enjoy 🥰

 The music in my car is turned on full blast. I belt each word of the upbeat song, each note completely off-key. I will the joy of the words to raise my spirits that were dampened to nonexistent when my boss told me I was fired.

     I have been constantly reminding myself that it wasn’t because I was insufficient or bad at my job. Apparently, the company is downsizing so layoffs were inevitable.

     Pulling into the Culver’s drive-thru, I pause the music, holding back unshed tears. As I watch the cars in front of me, I throw my unruly, wavy raven hair into a messy bun. The hair against my neck was driving me to insanity.

     Thankfully, the line is moderately long so I’m able to compose myself while swiping through the menu on my phone. Because goodness forbid I don’t know what I want before pulling up to the menu board. 

     Finally, my turn comes to order. A sweet voice comes from the speaker, welcoming me to Culver’s and asking for my name. I can’t help noticing her voice is somewhat muffled and scratchy, but it must just be the speaker quality.

     After giving her my name and food order, I pull around eventually reaching the window once the cars in front of me have finished.

     The window opens and the face of the cashier comes into view. I assume she’s in her early twenties. Her sun-kissed brown hair is pulled back into a neat low bun with a few shipy pieces falling out in front. Then my gaze reaches her eyes, red-rimmed with tears slowly dripping down her cheek.

     My heart squeezes inside my chest at the sight. As I hand her my credit card, I can’t help asking if she’s okay.

     “Yeah, I’m good.” She attempts to give me a smile, but it fails to fully form.

     For whatever reason, I want to offer her something. Anything. As she takes my payment behind the closed window, I quickly scan my car. My eyes catch on the small stuffed teddy bear key chain I have hanging on my review mirror. It was a random gift from my brother for my birthday.

     Something inside me tells me it’s perfect while another part of me feels self-conscience about giving a complete stranger such a random gift. Before thinking it over too much, I carefully remove it and wait for the window to open back up.

     The girl hands me my card and is about to turn away.

     “Excuse me. I just wanted to give this to you.” I hold out the stuffed bear keychain.

     She just looks down at it, unmoving. Her lips begin to quiver ever so slightly.

     “I couldn’t but thank you.” Her voice comes out quiet and unsure.

     “Please. I insist.” I give her an encouraging smile, extending my arm futher.

     Reaching out, she gently takes in from my hand, her eyes never leaving the item. When she looks up, tears steadily fall from her warm brown eyes.

     Did I do something wrong? Maybe I shouldn’t have done such a strange thing. My thoughts spiral.

    “Thank you,” she starts, “Teddy Bears are…were my mom’s favorite things.”

     My heart stops beating at her words. Before I can reply, she continues.

     “My mom just passed away a week ago from cancer. You have no idea how much this means to me. I didn’t know how I was going to get through the day.” Her words come out broken through quiet sobs.

     Tears prick my eyes. I vigorously try to hold them in but they escape. One. Two. Then they cascade down my face.

     “I am so sorry,” is all I manage to get out.

     She reaches out her hand and I take it. Squeezing it tight, she says thank you again and instructs me to pull forward.

     Everything is quiet as I sit in my car waiting for my food. Thoughts of my mom flood my mind. She’s my best friend and I could never imagine living life without her. Thankfully she’s as healthy as a spring chicken, but just the thought of her one day not being around to answer my calls or give me a hug makes my stomach constrict.

     Then my mind returns to my day. To being laid off. I realize my problems don’t even come close to that girl’s who has to still go into work every day with something so heavy on her heart.

      It’s funny how life has a habit of putting things into perspective right when you need it.