An Encounter for a Lifetime

Chapter 6

Embarking on a new season in his life, Kanan stepped into the unknown after thoughtful contemplation. Though the path he chose was not devoid of uncertainty, he plunged forward with a clear sense of purpose. The decision carried the weight of what he lost. It was a morning when Kanan woke to a haze of uncertainty that lingered in the corners of his mind. As he reached for his journal, "Life Adventures: All or Nothing," the weight of contemplation settled upon him. The pages, filled with adventures he had yet to experience, made him question, "Is it worth it?" In the quiet moment, doubt crept in, casting a shadow over his aspirations. Kanan promised himself that he wouldn't fall into the depths of such emotions, but even a promise is a comfort to a fool. It was only a moment of thought; even a moment holds power. He could only give his best, aspiring not to sink but to rise above the challenges.

"Argh," He bellowed, frustration echoing through the room. It was no use sitting on his couch like this. He had a full day ahead of him, thankful Nathaniel kept him on his toes. They had scheduled the fitting at lunch that demanded his presence. Nathaniel sent the necessary details via text.

Dressed in black cargo pants and a white T-shirt and shoes, he was going for comfortable and casual, not feeling like dressing up today. Choosing to head out early to avoid potential traffic, he aimed to arrive sooner than he did during their initial, or rather, second, encounter. The drive was smooth, and their meeting spot was a few minutes from The View. Parking with time to spare, Kanan found himself a few minutes ahead of schedule, texting Nathaniel to ask if he was on his way. To his surprise, Nathaniel stated that he was already inside.

The small store before him operated as a tailor shop, offering custom tailoring and alterations services, and a suit shop, where customers purchased ready-made suits. The decor featured dark wood furnishings complemented by modern fixtures, creating an air of refined simplicity. Neatly organized racks and displays showcase a diverse collection of suits at accessible price points, and mannequins showcase the latest suit collections. An area dedicated to fabric swatches conveys a sense of customization. Carefully positioned mirrors provide customers with the opportunity to admire the tailored craftsmanship.

"Hey," Nathaniel greeted him, seated in a chair adjacent to the counter. Behind it were shelves holding swatches of fabric, measuring tapes, and neatly arranged tools

A man, seemingly in his thirties, casually leaned against the counter, his gaze shifting from Nathaniel to Kanan. Kanan offered his greetings, mindful of his manners. Stepping out from behind the counter, the man extended his hands with a welcoming smile, "I'm Evan, the owner," He introduced himself.

"Kanan," He greeted, completing Evan's handshake.

"Nathaniel mentioned your appreciation for the suits. I'm pleased to hear you liked them."

"Such craft deserves to be appreciated," Kanan sensed a contrast in attire. His casual choice of outfit, though comfortable, stuck out amongst Evans's white chinos, black button-down shirt, as well as Nathaniel's sophisticated tan suit.

Evan's smile widened. "Nathaniel bought the suit with him. The fitting room is at the back. Feel free to get change, and we'll proceed from there."

Kanan went to the back as directed. In the fitting room was the suit he selected, a white dress shirt, and a pair of shoes. Evan explained to him the reasoning behind the additional garments. To provide a realistic representation of how the suit looks and feels, ensure accuracy in achieving a well-fitted final result. To see how the suit interacts with the rest of his outfit. He valued Evan's efforts in ensuring he comprehended the process, which eased his nerves during his first fitting. Suits weren't a regular part of Kanan's lifestyle, and his store-bought ones happened to fit him just right without any tweaks. The process was short, with minor details to be changed as previously intended.