Brett turns off the engine and releases a deep breathe. Cold rain beats heavily on the windshield, and without the constant breath of the defroster, the windows have already started to fog.
The interior of the car is bathed in neon red light from the sign above the storefront. It flashes “Adult Arcade” incessantly.
It’s really come to this. Brett thinks back on his last three years at college. Mediocre grades. Unlucky in love to the say the least. Now with finals looming, he was as stressed as he’d ever been.
A friend had suggested a “Night at the Arcade” to unwind. It was a common phrase around the dorms and frat houses of VSU. Even Brett, who’d never been, knew that it had become infamous as a haven for no-string-attached release.
“Booth #1”, his friend had said with a knowing wink.
Brett takes the keys from the ignition and hurries towards the door, managing to get soaked in the process. An electronic chime announces his entry.
The room is bathed in harsh fluorescent lighting and covered wall-to-wall with dingy grey, high-traffic carpeting. Brett tries not to think about what the misshapen stains are. From behind the counter a middle aged clerk gives him a smile and a nod.