The Corner Store

Chapter 1

"But, it's time to face the facts. This world, this city, is a sinking ship and we’re all going to go down with it if we don't start pulling our shit together. I tell ya, Ann Marie. Things are going to get worse before they get better! And it's all for the Government to blame.''

My eyes stare blankly at the elderly man in front of me, having tuned him out over ten minutes ago. The urge to roll my eyes is hard to resist, so I give in. Rolling my eyes at what had been said, my face expressing the same amount of interest as my eyes did. None. 

"Yes, Mr. Crumgdestick. I agree. Now, as thrilling as that tale was. Would you mind moving aside? Please? I have other customers who have been waiting very patiently,” I say, waving my hand off to the side.

Poor George, he’s losing it. Bless his heart. I think it was the death of his wife Martha that pushed him over the edge. He wouldn't stop going on and on about how the Government killed her. The government did this and the government did that. Even after all these years he still thinks the Government is out to get us.

Mr. Crumdgestick stands there, mouth opening and closing without words, like a fish out of water. Then his face falls, seeing that I didn’t believe a word he was saying.

"But it's true!" He exclaims. "I know it is! I've seen it with my own eyes. Why just the other day-"

"Mr. Crumgdestick." My tone heating up. 

"Please. I won't ask you again. Please move to the side, so I can help the other customers. After I get the rest of these folks checked out, I'd be happy to talk. So please," once again gesturing off to the side. 

George pouts, puffing out his cheeks, but nods his head in defeat. "Fine, fine. I'll leave ya be." He grumbles, stepping out of the way of the other customers. He drops his head and shoves his hands in his pockets as he walks out.

I let out a deep sigh as he leaves and wave the next customer up to the register. He really was a sweet old man, just a little too crazy to deal with when the store was slammed like this. Voucher days were always awful. As he crossed the street I shook my head.

What was I going to do with that man?