The Diner On The Corner

I stumbled across a writing prompt today about junk food that gave me some inspiration for my running story that I’m working hard on launching by next week. The prompt was not for fiction, so I didn’t feel that I should post this as a response, but I would like to share it nonetheless. This takes place right after the first chapter and is a fun little transitional filler. If you like it and are interested, keep an eye out for the launch of my story on Twitter or Google+.

You can now read chapter 1 of “The Rallus Saga” which takes place immediately before this scene here

As Jason limped out of the suburban neighborhood, the weight of his backpack starting to bother him a bit, he caught a glimpse of a small diner on the corner of the street. “Al’s Burgers” was written across the sign at the top, illuminated by neon lights. At that moment, even through the pain in his abdomen from the night’s exploits, he realized he was hungrier than he had ever been before.

“What the hell is a burger joint doing open at five in the morning?” He thought to himself as a whiff of delicious seared fat caressed his nostrils. “I need to stop asking questions.” His thoughts shifted, now trying to justify a pit stop. “Obviously this is a sign from the heavens that I deserve a burger.”

Jason entered the empty diner, looked around and approached the stainless steel counter to take a seat. An older man with large, thick framed glasses peaked out from the cook’s window behind the counter.

“Don’t normally have customers at this hour.” The old man stated as he moved into full view through the window. “What can I get ya?”

“Whatever you’re frying up old man.” Jason answered. He didn’t really care what kind of burger was about to make its way to his stomach as long as it got there quick.

“Alright, one fried egg burger coming up.” The man disappeared to the left and after the longest three minutes of Jason’s life walked out of the back holding a plate with a large, grease dripping burger topped with a steaming fried egg and a pile of hash browns on a yellowish buttermilk bun. “Here ya are.” The man stated as he set the plate down in front of Jason.

Jason nodded at the man in thanks and picked up the large morsel. He sniffed the air as he brought it up to his mouth and took a large bite. As his teeth broke into the egg, the yoke spilled onto his tongue and mixed with the hot grease and warm buttermilk bun in a way that complimented the spice on the burger patty almost perfectly. The hash browns caressed his tongue and dulled the flavor with their texture making the experience even more divine. Jason knew he would have to come back to this diner regularly; at this moment the burger was his whole world.

In no time, Jason had finished the burger and leaned back as a feeling of satisfaction emanated from his person. “How much do I owe ya?” Jason called into the back.

The man appeared in the window again. “Seven fifty.” He replied, then disappeared back to his grill.

Jason opened his backpack and dug through the money he had received from Brent. “Shit, there’s nothing in here smaller than a hundred.” He thought to himself as he started to panic a bit “This might be a problem.” He looked up from his bag and pondered his predicament for another moment before quickly re-zipping his bag and pulling his wallet out of his pocket. He opened it and found a single ten inside. “I need to get some small bills.” Jason put the ten on the side of the plate opposite him and slung his backpack over his shoulder.

“Thanks for the grub old man.” Jason called into the back as he opened the door and left the diner. He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his pocket and opened the top to find that only one remained. “I really need to get some small bills.” He thought to himself as he pulled out his lighter and tried to flick it on. “Fucking lighter.”