Update October 2021: Since this story was first posted I've changed and rewritten it as part of a compilation. If you want to read a better version of this story, along with others like it, click the link below for directions on where my chapbook Death of Dreams can be downloaded or purchased.
The table in the corner was almost empty. The lone man sitting there was staring at five cups arranged in front of the space at each seat. Four were full and one was empty with only a few drops at the bottom. The waitress had offered to refill it a few times while he sat waiting, but he’d turned her down each time.
“They’ll get here soon,” he assured her, “I’ll get a refill when they get here.”
Hours passed and the other patrons slowly trickled out. The cups stayed full and untouched until it was time to close.
“Please,” he begged, “just a few more minutes. They’ll be here soon.” The kitchen closed, the lights dimmed, and the five cups still sat in a circle. The man sighed deeply and stood up, waving down the waitress as he did.
“Could you refill my drink before I go?” She agreed and brought him a fresh cup. He drank it quickly and set it down. He gazed down at the six cups and shook his head, sad but resolved.
“They aren’t coming,” he whispered to himself as he turned his back on the table and walked away.
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