Months passed in quiet rhythm, each day similar to the last. Denial had grown used to his solitary life, but a part of him longed for more — more interaction, more movement, more distraction from the gnawing emptiness inside.
One fine morning, after sipping his warm black tea, Denial looked around his antique shop and thought,
"If I could keep the shop open throughout the month instead of just fifteen days, maybe I could breathe a little easier… Maybe I wouldn't feel so... alone."
With that thought, he carefully crafted a neat handwritten poster and pinned it outside his shop:
"Part-time Help Wanted – Antique Store Assistant. Flexible Hours. Good Pay."
A few days later, the shop bell jingled softly. A young man, probably in his early twenties, peeked in with a curious smile.
"Hello!" he said confidently, stepping inside. "I'm Ren. I saw your poster about the part-time job, and I'm here to apply."
Denial looked up from the glass cabinet he was arranging and smiled faintly.
"Nice to meet you, Ren. Have a seat."
As Ren took a seat, Denial introduced himself simply, "I'm Denial, the owner of this place."
Ren nodded politely. "I'm a student, currently majoring in Business Marketing. I thought this job might give me some real-life experience too."
Denial raised his brows, visibly impressed. "That's actually perfect. Maybe you can even help me with a few ideas for the shop from time to time."
He then leaned back and sighed lightly. "There's just one thing, though… I can't keep the shop open for the entire month. Every month, for fifteen days, I disappear — due to some... unavoidable personal reasons."
He didn't offer any more explanation. And surprisingly, Ren didn't ask either.
Instead, the boy simply grinned and said, "No problem, sir. I can handle things. Just teach me what needs to be done."
Relieved, Denial nodded. "In return, I'll make sure you're paid more than fairly. I value loyalty and honesty above all."
Without hesitation, Ren extended his hand. "Deal."
And just like that, a new chapter of Denial's life quietly began — not with a storm, but with the calm smile of a stranger willing to help carry his silent burden.
Continue.....