Wiping off the last table, Luna let out a heavy sigh. She had pulled yet another double, and while the tips had been amazing that night, she was exhausted. The earthquake had been nearly two weeks ago, and finally people were starting to go out to eat again. However, the bigger crowds meant more work, and with Luna and Jeff being the only two that night (save for the one other waitress who spent more time flirting than actually doing her job), she had been running around all night. It wasn’t until the latest customer had left that she was able to actually start closing the diner, despite the little shop having been technically closed for nearly a half hour.

“Are you sure you’re good?” Jumping slightly as she heard Jeff’s voice behind her, Luna quickly turned around to stare up at the man half-towering over her. He was worried, but she wanted the silence. A tired smile was offered up to him, the blonde nodding twice as she turned back to the silverware she was rolling.

“Yeah, I’m good. Go ahead, I’ll lock up. I don’t have much left, anyways.” Her voice showed just how tired she really was, but at the moment, she wasn’t even attempting to hide it. Jeff was one of the few men she felt safe around, and part of her wondered if he would insist on sitting in the booth across from her as she finished up . . . again. Thankfully, he just nodded, wished her a goodnight, and left.

And then, silence. Finally. A slow, deep breath was taken by the woman as she stared at the silverware before her, debating on just how much she wanted to actually roll. In truth, she wanted nothing more than to just go home, but if she didn’t do it now, she would just have to get back to work early to finish it. Another set was rolled, then another and another, and after nearly 15 minutes, she was finally finished. By then, it was nearly 10 at night, and slinging her bag over her shoulder, Luna dropped her apron over the hook before exiting the diner and locking the door.

She barely got out of the back door before she saw a figure at the end of the alley, though, and she froze, just staring. It was dark, the only light being the street lamp just behind it, but there was just enough light for her to squint and make out the face of one of her regulars. He had been flirting with her more and more often, and swallowing hard, she turned to face the opposite direction. It was away from her home, but she knew she could circle back around. The last thing she needed was Ned following her home and putting Jason in danger.

“Where ya goin’, Moon Girl?” It was his nickname for her, and she tried to ignore him, continuing to walk. Ned was one of the (many) customers she hated, but she had never expected to see him outside of working hours. A hand gripped her purse tighter, but as she got to the end of the alley, she suddenly felt a hand on her elbow. Turning around, she ripped her arm away from him, taking another step back as she just stared up at him, panic starting to form in her eyes. He was more than obviously drunk, and considering how much larger he was than she was, if he tried anything, she was screwed.

“Go home, Ned. Diner’s closed.”

“Oh, I know. I was hopin’ you’d come with me to the bar t’get a few drinks.” Even from the distance he had allowed her, she could smell the alcohol on his breath, and turning her head to the side with a scrunched nose, she took a deep breath, trying to stay calm and keep herself from having another flashback. Not even the deep breaths were helping, though, as the alcohol from his breath was all around her.

“I think you’ve had enough already and should go home.” Finally she turned back to him, but he was stepping closer, and Luna had to step to the side to avoid stepping into the road. She had pepper spray, but it was buried in her bag, having dropped down during her shift.

“Then whaddya say you come with me, make sure I get there all safe and shit . . . “