Nathan slammed the car door with a resounding thud, the echo bouncing off the surrounding empty spaces outside the modest chicken restaurant, located on the outskirts of the city.
The place was unremarkable with a brightly neon-lit storefront and an oversized sign boasting crispy fried chicken, wings, and hearty sides. It's the sort of late-night haven for weary travellers or those seeking quick comfort food. He leaned heavily against the cool metal of the car, fishing a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it with a sharp flick of his lighter. The flame briefly illuminated his tense features before he inhaled deeply, the smoke swirling upward into the cool air as he tried to temper the frustration simmering just beneath his skin.
