Old Shop

It's 8 in the morning and the sun can be seen, enlightening the world with its power, and the time people go to work, jog, and prepare for their day. I'm walking in my neighborhood just to take a walk since it's been a long time since the last time I walk around alone without any purpose. Along the way, I greet my neighbors every time I pass by them, some were watering their plants, some were exercising, and a few kids play at the park.

When I was walking, I come across a grocery store on my right side, just in front of the drainage, divided by a road. It looks old with cracking wood supporting it, maybe a few decades old, inside of it is a bit dark, vegetables and fruits are put outside on the rectangle red basket placed on the table with cloths covering the top of the table which is located on the right side of the entrance. The items look fresh and appetizing, and not just that, there is a freezer with a picture of ice cream printed on it, indicating that they sell ice cream here. I also notice that there is a bench one meter from the freezer with a roof made out of wood on top to protect people from the sun's heat.

This place is perfect for people to eat ice cream while relaxing on a summer day. I need to check inside if it sells anything else. I enter the store and greet the owner who sits on the mat behind the counter. The interior is definitely old with almost everything made out of wood. Surprisingly, every item which is sold here looks great, neatly arranged on the shelf, and not covered with dust, the owner definitely takes good care of his shop.

There are various categories of items sold here such as toys, candy, comic books, and more. I can't believe this, such a shop is located in my neighborhood yet I don't even know about it. But, why I don't see any people buying here? This shop is great yet people not buying here. I pick a few items like candy and a comic book and go to the counter to pay for them. The owner looks at me with a shock like he sees a ghost in front of him. "Uncle, are you okay?" I ask him since I'm afraid that he has seen Grim Reaper calling him to the afterlife.

"Are you... really want to buy from me? It's been so long since the last time customer bought something in here." I notice a tear dripping down from the right corner eye socket. Wait... he's... crying? Is it true that no people come here? This place is great! I can't believe them. I look at him and ask, "...Really? Why? The items here are in great condition and also. So, it's weird that no one comes here."

"Young man, do you notice the supermarket that was built a kilometer outside of this neighborhood area?" Why is he talking about that supermarket all of sudden? "Yeah, I know. I went there myself a few times. Why?"

"All of this happens because of it. Before it was there, my shop is the first thing that came to residents' minds when they want to buy anything. But, now, after that supermarket finished being built, one by one residents go to it and forgot about my shop. Let alone young people, even older residents change their choice too. I don't want to stop them as it was their choice to go wherever they want. It's been a decade now since then and no people come here ever since. Even if there are people who come here, they will quickly get out as they said that this place is old."

Woah, I don't know about that. My family came here when I was 14 after my father had to change his workplace. So, I don't know that this shop exists and my parent always brings my sister and me to that supermarket whenever we want to buy something. If I knew earlier, I might have made this shop my main choice whenever I need to buy groceries or just simply an ice cream to cool off my body.

"Uncle, if you don't have any customers, how do you make any profit? Do you have any other job than this?" I ask as I'm wondering about his profit if no one comes here. If he does not make any profit and loss a huge amount of money, I'm afraid that he will bankrupt and close his shop one day. I don't want that to happen, this place has become my second favorite shop, and the number one is secret, though.

"No, I lose money every day but I will still open the shop even though no one will come here anymore. One day, people may notice this shop and buy items from here, that's my hope, and I will not change it." He crosses his arm after saying that. Looks like he really sticks to his stance. I'm afraid that your hope will not come true, uncle. If this continues, the shop will be closed and I can't come here anymore. I can't let that happen. Maybe I can help him.

"Uncle, if you really want people to come here, you need to change the shop design, inside and outside as people look at appearances first before judging the quality. I'm afraid that no one will ever come here if you don't want to change anything." I try convincing him.

"I see that you know what to do but where can I get the money to pay people to renovate my shop? I almost lose all the money I have." He realizes the point but can't do anything.

"I will help you, uncle. I see this shop has a lot of potentials and I really like it here. The environment and the facilities here are perfect for people."

"Eh, but where will you get the money? I see you that are still young. Do you even have a job?" This uncle doubts me just because I'm young. I'll show you what I got.

"Do not worry, uncle. I know what I'm doing. You just wait for me next week, here, in around the afternoon or evening time. I'll make this shop become the greatest shop ever! Just wait."