Volume 2: After the Ribbons
Chapter 1 - The First Customer
The morning sun filtered softly through the frosted windows of Hukitaske Pharmacy. It had been three weeks since the ribbon-cutting ceremony, yet the small bell above the door had only chimed a handful of times. The newly installed shelves still gleamed with polish, and the label printer hadn't jammed once. Everything felt too... perfect.
Akio Hukitaske stood behind the counter, white coat crisp, clipboard in hand. On paper, he was a legitimate pharmacist now. On paper, his dreams had been realized. But in his heart, there was a quiet storm. He kept glancing at the front door, waiting. Hoping.
He cleaned the counter again, more out of nervous energy than need. He checked inventory. Adjusted the placement of brochures about seasonal allergies and vitamin D deficiencies. Everything was in place.
Still, no customers.
Then, at exactly 10:07 AM, the bell rang.
Akio's heart jumped. He nearly dropped the pen in his hand.
A middle-aged granny stepped inside. Her graying hair was tied back in a tight bun, and she carried a small black purse tucked beneath her arm. Her posture was rigid, her eyes cautious. She walked slowly, inspecting the place like it might vanish.
"Good morning," Akio said, trying to steady his voice.
The grandma gave a polite nod. "You're new."
"Yes, oh um yeah. We opened recently. Welcome to Hukitaske Pharmacy."
She looked at the nameplate on the counter. "Akio Hukitaske... You look young to own a place like this."
Akio smiled gently. "It's a long story."
She reached into her purse and pulled out a neatly folded prescription. "I just came from the clinic. They told me you might not have these in stock yet."
Akio scanned the list. A simple cholesterol medication and a mild anti-inflammatory—nothing too rare. He moved quickly, checking the shelves, scanning the barcodes, reviewing her chart.
"No problem at all. Give me just a moment."
As he worked, the person stood by the window, watching pedestrians walk by. Her fingers trembled slightly.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
She didn't answer at first. Then, softly: "My husband passed away last winter. This is the first time I've come out for medicine without him."
Akio paused. The weight of her words hit him like wind against an old scar.
"I'm... sorry to hear that I uh nevermind," he said, returning with the bagged medications.
She looked at him. Really looked curious about why he looked sad about himself after she said that but ignored it as it wasn't her business to pry into his personal life. "He always picked things up for me. Said I worried too much about my health. Now I'm the one standing here."
Akio handed her the paper bag with both hands and a bow. "You're taking care of yourself now. That's what matters."
She stared at him for a long second, then nodded with moist eyes. "Thank you."
The bell rang again as she left.
Akio stood alone behind the counter, hands resting on the wood.
He hadn't saved anyone's life. He hadn't done anything extraordinary. But for the first time since the doors opened, he felt it—that unmistakable ripple.
This mattered.
And it was only the beginning.
[Next: Chapter 2 — Rain in the Waiting Room]