Circumstantial

Chapter 14

It's Thursday. Today is officially the last day the hardware store will be open for business. My interview went well on Monday, and I signed a contract with the company. I basically have a week to clear out the store and close up. I've marked down most of the items and plastered a few 'SALE' signs outside. People are taking the bait. Yesterday a few repair men dropped by and bought quite a bit of stuff. On Tuesday, the rep of a large company made two trips to clear out the majority of the power tools. It's a bittersweet moment for me though. Sarah's arrangement on the other hand, narrows down my time to get things sorted because we'll be leaving for George Town tomorrow for her sister's big four day event. I didn't see the logic behind women and their big, fancy weddings. The divorce rate is at an all time high. Why make a big show of commitment if there's a huge probability you're gonna break it a few months down the line?

Anyway, so as soon as I get back from that charade, I'm gonna have to start packing up and cleaning out the store. The following Monday will be my first day at the Toyota Manufacturing Plant. It's a monumental step in my life and career. Engineering is my passion, and being able to work at such a prestigious company is one heck of a bonus.

I empty out the cash register and clear out the last of the paperwork from the cupboard. I notice a few old scraps of paper written in my dad's handwriting. It's a list of stock next to a list of suppliers.

I wonder how Dad would feel about the store closing down. He put his blood, sweat and tears into starting up this place. My chest gets tight and my eyes prickle with tears. Suddenly, my cellphone rings. I glance at the screen, then pick it up. It's Kate.

"Hey, Kitty Kat," I greet, rubbing the tears from my eyes.

"Hey, Mikey! It's your last day! How's it going?" She asks cheerfully.

"Uh... It's ... going," I reply. I'm too emotional to hide it.

"Oh, Mikey! Don't take it so badly. You're gonna be what you've always wanted to be! Dad would be so proud. Do you remember when you were still studying towards your degree and I asked you at the dinner table why you wanted to do engineering?" She reminds me.

God, yes I remember. She mentions it every other day. I roll my eyes and decide to humour her.

"Scientists dream about doing great things, but-" I quote.

"Engineers make it happen!" She completes my sentence enthusiastically.

"You're gonna be living your dream, Mike. This is a new beginning of a great chapter in your life."

Good Lord, it's like she's taken on the role of motivational speaker of the year.

"Yeah, I guess," I mutter half-heartedly.

"Lighten up, bro! Have you started packing for tomorrow yet? Sarah said your flight is at eight A.M."

Ah, she's been talking to Sarah again. I haven't spoken to her since Sunday.

"Yeah. I'll pack tonight. Hey, you didn't mention anything about me getting a new job to her, did you?" I ask.

Sarah doesn't know that I'm closing down the store, and I intend to keep it that way. I had given Kate strict instructions not to discuss my life with Sarah.