A Secret Nighttime Escape

I'm Sarah, a bartender at this dive bar. Lately, after closing up and everyone's gone home, I slip into something more playful, or rather, regressive. I've found myself in these moments wearing the old teddy bear pajamas my mom gave me as a kid, complete with bunny ears. There's an adult toy shop down the street that stays open late, catering to a variety of tastes and curiosities, much like mine do now. Each night when no one is around, I indulge in buying small things for myself, stuffed animals, soft blankets, and other nostalgic items meant to comfort me as an adult but reminding me so much of my childhood. It's strange how comforting these objects can be in their softness and simplicity after a long day dealing with drunk strangers' woes. Yet, there’s also this loneliness that lingers, wondering if I should be growing up instead of seeking solace in the past.