Tell Me I'm Alive

Closed for Business

Mom and I ride together to work, with me driving so she can focus on her morning call with my gram. They talk to each other every morning and it's nice to listen to their conversation instead of my usual music.

We pull up outside of the small pharmacy and sit there, waiting until it's time to go inside. At three minutes 'till nine, we grab our things and head inside. Everyone meets at the door, waiting for Steve to let us in. There's already someone waiting in the lot to pick up their prescription. Thankfully, the person waits in their car until we're all inside and have put our things away.

I throw my bag in the back room and go to my spot to answer the phone that's already ringing off the hook. "Baker's Pharmacy, how can I help you?"

The person on the other end of the line spits off some prescription numbers they need filled and I hang up with them. I go to a computer to place the order and see the customer from the parking lot waiting at the counter.

"I'll be with you in a moment." I hold a finger up in the universal 'one second' gesture. I place the phone order in while Steve takes care of the person at the counter.

After the store is clear of any patrons, Steve asks for everyone's attention.

"This is really difficult for me to tell you all." He pauses for a moment to look down at the floor, pondering his words. "I have been speaking with a representative from a larger corporation to sell this pharmacy..."

Time stops and everything is silent for an excruciatingly long minute. The horrible feeling stewing in my gut since my talk with Mom earlier comes rushing back, only ten times worse now. Lesley is the first to break everyone's quiet shock. "Steve, you can't be serious."

"Unfortunately, I am. I'm so far in debt, that there was no other way. This place has been losing money for too long. I have nothing more to put into it."

I hear a sudden sob from my left and look over to see my mom with tears streaming down her face. She's been here the longest, other than Steve.

I immediately hug her, trying to console her. Mom has a ton of health problems, some that make it hard for her to work long days on her feet the whole time. She's even had to undergo surgery which caused her to take off for extended periods of time. Steve has always been amazing at working with her so she can take that time or sit down during the day. A large corporation wouldn't be so forgiving.

Through her sobs, Mom asks, "What are we going to do?"

Steve tells us that he's secured positions at the new pharmacy, but everyone is skeptical. Some don't want to work for them, already having done that before leaving to come here. Mom doesn't think they'll want to hire her and I think she's right.

The mood in the pharmacy is subdued for the rest of the day. The usual vibrancy that surrounds all of my coworkers is gone. We do all of our tasks in relative silence, only speaking when we need to. I know the customers notice the somber mood, but Steve has sworn us to secrecy for a few days while the transaction is finalized. Of course, that doesn't stop me from telling the girls.

Their responses are as expected. Libby sends the first reply, It was only a matter of time. He's a shitty businessman. Janey is the next to ask, How is everyone doing? How's your mom taking the news?

I tell them that I think she's in shock. She's worked here for most of my life. I'm not sure what's going to happen now, but I know it's going to be hard for her to find another job that can accommodate her health issues.

Karina replies, this is what Steve gets for giving away shit for free and not keeping his shit in order. She immediately sends a second message, I'm sorry, I'm being insensitive. Are you okay, Lana?