Acting Oddly

№2 of 💯 Story Challenge

Fluorescent lights hummed their nocturnal tune, a sleepy song. An enemy to wakefulness. The girl working at Marty’s convenience was losing the battle. Her chin was drooping and her eyes had slid nearly closed.

She awakened slightly when a tall fellow with bony elbows plunked a lighter on the counter.

“Cash or charge?” She droned, eyes still down.

When no reply came, her attention raised at last to the interloper. His mouth worked and his hands fluttered. To her astonishment, he abruptly scuttled away.

Outside, the man shook his head. It was hard to act natural as an intergalactic traveler.

Building a haphazard universe 100 words at a time.

Entry 2 for the 100 Stories challenge. Want to see all the contenders? Check them out here.

I particularly enjoyed this timely tale by Brigit Delaney: