Stop for gas on the way

On the way to the hospital, your mother gently curses to herself.

"Knew I should have done it on the way home from Freddy's..." she turns on her indicator, swiftly changing lanes and glancing over to you. "Sorry, kiddo. We have to get gas. My tank is almost empty."

She pulls up to the gas station, turning off the car and getting out. You look around, deciding to get something from the convenience store while she fills up on gas. Your mother looks up towards you as you walk.

"Don't get anything caffinated, just in case!" She cautions, and you smile and nod towards her.

"Got it, mom!" You call back, pushing the door open. An electronic bell goes off as you enter, and you look to the clerk.

She is a short, stocky girl with curly light brown hair, a ton of freckles, and eyes that are a cross between green and hazel. She grins warmly at you as you walk up to her.

"Hello there! What can I do for you today?" She looks into your eyes.

"Ah, uh," you stumble. "My... my mom is getting gas so I was going to get some food... haha..." You flush as you continue to stumble over your words, the girl giggling gently.

"I'm not gonna get mad, silly! I work here, after all." She says casually, making you look towards her again.

"What if I asked you to give me free food?" You joke, anxiety flashing inside of you as her smile drops, but she is still staring into your eyes.

"Sure, I can do that for you. Grab whatever you want." She says in a dazed tone. You raise your brows in alarm as she gestures to the store. "Free of charge. I'll cover it."

This doesn't seem right, but she is clearly waiting for you to grab what you wanted, though you aren't at all sure why. You grab a water bottle, some chips and a bunch of candy, putting it on the counter. "Is this okay? I can... I can pay for it, I was joki--"

"Of course it's okay. I will buy these for you, so you can have them for free." She sounds strange as she speaks, as if she is talking in her sleep. But lo and behold, when the total rings up, she pulls out her own wallet and pays the price. She bags the items and hands them to you, her pupils dilated. "Here you go. For free." She says with a tilt of her head.

You take it, albeit reluctantly, and walk out of the store to the car. 'What just happened? Did I do that?' You think to yourself as you sit in the car. Your mother had already filled up by the time you got back, pulling out smoothly as you buckle your seatbelt.