The Night Shift

In San Bruno, 94066, near Tanforan Mall, there is a 24-hour gas station. AM/PM.

Auntie Joy, 48, Yoruba woman, works night shift there. 10pm to 6am. For 5 years.

Every night, around 2am, a man comes. White man, maybe 70, always in pajamas and jacket. Buys one small milk.

Auntie Joy asked one day, "Sir, why you dey buy milk every night?"

He said, "My wife. She wakes up 2am, says she wants warm milk. For 45 years."

Auntie Joy said, "Awwwn sweet."

One night, man came, crying. Didn't buy milk.

He said, "She passed yesterday. I came automatically. I forgot."

Auntie Joy came out from behind counter. Hugged him. Gave him milk free. Said, "Oga, you go drink am for her tonight."

He said, "I don't know how to sleep without waking up for her milk."

Auntie Joy said, "Then you come here every night. I go dey here. We go drink milk together."

Now, every night 2am, Auntie Joy and Mr. Robert drink milk at AM/PM in San Bruno. Two people, one missing someone.

Customers who come at 2am think they are couple.

They are. Just not the kind people think. They are 2am milk club.

Moral: Some people don't need milk. They just need someone to be awake with them at 2am.

Now sleep, my friend. Lagos morning go come quick.