11 HELP?

The plan was just simple. Starting today, they will spread the news that in 2 days, there will be a massive one-day sale in the grocery store. The sale will be promoted in a way that will show that the sale is intended to give back to the community. 

He proposed that instead of the 50% markup, they will reduce it to only 10%. That's what Terrence calculated so that they won't have any loss and still earn even for a little.

After all, it's still a business. 

Terrence knew for sure that everyone would be grateful for the sudden sale. This will be a way to boost their sales and inform everyone that the prices weren't as high as last time. 

"That's a brilliant idea, Terrence!" Edwin couldn't help but exclaim. He clapped his hands and thought, 'What a brilliant employee I have.'

Terrence grinned. He shrugged his shoulders. 'This was such a common sense. I wonder why Edwin couldn't even think about it?' 

He couldn't help but judge Edwin by the way he acted. He looked so naïve and so easy to manipulate. It must be the reason why his wife's auntie had an easy way to control this grocery store. 

"Well, I'm just an employee here who will leave in 1 week. I should not care about it anymore." He glanced over to the side. 

Terrence spent the rest of his hours accommodating customers. He didn't know why, but the customers suddenly fluctuated when it was almost closing hours.

Edwin was busy on the counter trying to punch all the items being bought. On the other hand, he was busy walking around. He was answering questions about certain products, trying to see if there were stocks in the stock room, and helping people carry out their bags outside. 

It was so stressful that Terrence just wanted to rest. 

Terrence had already changed the door's sign to closed, but there were still customers inside trying to wait for their turn to pay and leave. 

It was already exactly 6 in the evening. They were supposed to close already, but at his estimate, it would take them another 30 minutes to finish the remaining customers. 

Terrence sighed. When no one needed his assistance anymore, he went to help. He helped the customers and bagged the items so that it would be faster. 

"Thank you for shopping at our store, Miss." Terrence smiled despite his tiredness and gave the customer her items. 

"Thank you."

"Oh right, Miss. We are going to hold a 1-day sale in 2 days. All of the items here will be 40% off. It's to give back to the community for all your unwavering support to our store." 

Terrence purposely made his voice loud so the others would hear it, too. 

And it seemed like it worked when he heard a loud gasp from the people. 

"Oh my gosh!" 

"We will definitely come back by that time!" 

"You guys are so kind!" 

Praised kept on coming after his announcement. When Edwin saw the people's enthusiasm, he couldn't help but be amazed. 

Everything was going well. 

"Don't worry, guys! If we see that you keep on supporting our store, then we will immediately do it again." Edwin smiled. 

"You guys are sent from heaven!" 

"We will support this shop!" 

More reactions came out from the people. 

Terrence grinned. He knew for sure that his plan would be executed flawlessly. 

"Don't forget to invite your friends and family members. This is just a rare offer, so we want as many people as possible to know it." 

Terrence wondered if this was how he looked like in the past. While he watched the people share their joy over a little matter, he questioned himself if he was this naïve back then. 

He wondered if the government he had been working for was thinking the same thing as him right now. 

Terrence took a deep breath. He looked in front of him and removed the thoughts forming in his head. 

He helped and assisted more customers until everyone was done. In total, he had to work overtime for 30 minutes. 

When the last customer left, Terrence and Edwin sat on the ground. The last time they were able to sit was 4 hours ago. 

"Thanks for assisting me, Terrence." Edwin didn't forget to say his appreciation towards Terrence. 

"It's nothing," Terrence answered back. He stood up and fixed his clothes. "I'll get going now, then. It's already quite late. I just want to go home and rest." 

"Sure." Edwin nodded. "How do you want your pay? Do you want to receive it daily or by the end of your time here?"

"Hmm…" Terrence thought about it for a couple of seconds. He thought he might need the money, so he decided to just get his wage daily. 

"I'll get it by daily." 

Edwin stood up and went to the cashier's computer. He pulled out some dollar bills and folded them in half. "Here." He smiled. 

"Thanks for this," Terrence smiled back. He bid his goodbye and walked towards the door. 

When he arrived outside, that was the only time he opened the folded bills in his hand.

 "10… 20… 50…" In total, there was $65 in his palm.

'Hmm, I guess this is my pay for overtime and my idea from earlier.' He shrugged his shoulder. He found it just right that he got paid like this. 

Terrence decided to go straight home after his shift. It was already dark outside, and the lack of streetlights in their area made it harder for him to see.

It's a good thing that he was already familiar with the way.

Now, he just wanted to jump on his bed and sleep all day. 

He didn't know that working was hard. 

Terrence was already halfway through his journey when he saw a group of men surrounding a woman in the middle from his peripheral vision. He thought of not minding what was happening until a loud shout caught his attention. 

"HELP! PLEASE HELP MEEEE!"