"Are you staying open?" he says, nearly out of breath, to the man behind the counter. "You’re not going anywhere, are you?" The gas station’s owner, Athanasios Hondros—who goes by Tommy—gives him the answer: no, most definitely not. Satisfied with Hondros’ answer, Vedic proceeded to buy some some M&Ms and leave. But despite the simplicity of the task, the air was heavy with anxiety; ther... read more...