Inivisible string: A Sam and Nehemia story

Chapter 11

Nehemia

Nehemia had been working at the shop for several months when Erendr passed away. That day, Sam had arrived early, his worries about Erendr weighing heavily on him all week. Unfortunately, his fears had come true. Despite knowing there was little anyone could do—Erendr had simply grown too old—they still rushed him to the nearest medical station. The healers confirmed what they feared and gently suggested arranging a headstone at the local graveyard, offering details for a simple funeral.

After the funeral, both Sam and Nehemia took time to grieve, closing the shop for a few days. Sam had said that reopening the shop would be the best way to honor Erendr's memory, so they did just that.

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Two weeks had passed since Erendr's death when a strange man walked into the shop. Unlike most customers, he didn't seem interested in the weapons. His eyes darted around, scanning the street, the interior, and finally, them.

"Can we help you?" Sam asked in Rysharic from behind the anvil, wiping sweat from his brow.

The man glanced at Sam, then around the shop again, before answering, "I'm looking for my father. He owns this shop."

Both Nehemia and Sam stood in stunned silence. Nehemia hadn't known that Erendr had a son—or any family at all—and judging by the look on Sam's face, neither had he.

Sam broke the silence, his voice steady but tinged with suspicion. "I've been working here for months, and I never heard anything about Erendr having a son. Why are you just now coming to find him?"

The man's expression hardened. "My father and I didn't get along. I only just heard he passed. As his only living relative, the shop is mine now. I'm here to sell it."

Sam's face fell, a mix of disbelief and frustration. The shop had become his home, his refuge. Nehemia could see the shock in his eyes, but she knew there was little they could do. If the shop had been left to Erendr's son, it was his decision what happened next. Still, she hoped—prayed—that he would let them keep it, or at least leave the shop intact for Sam.

But her hopes were crushed when the man continued coldly, "The bank master will be here soon to handle the paperwork. Once it's done, you'll both be paid for your time, and your work here will be finished."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and left, leaving Nehemia feeling like the ground had been ripped out from under her.