The chime of the automatic doors opening snapped him out of his spiraling thoughts. He heard the soft murmur of voices and the shuffle of footsteps. At first, he didn’t look up, assuming it was just more people coming and going. But then he heard a voice, steady and kind.
“Excuse me, young man.” Jacob froze, his heart sinking. He was bracing himself for more judgment, perhaps some passive-aggressive remark about holding up the line. Slowly, he lifted his head.