Board Thread:Off-Topic Discussion/@comment-28743333-20151017150311/@comment-1859034-20151202020324

Meanwhile…

The afternoon passed with relatively minor fuss. In comparison to the morning rush, it was quiet. Too quiet for Margaret’s liking. While she appreciated the change in atmosphere, the place felt cold and lifeless without Eileen. Not only to help alleviate the workload, but also keep her company. Eileen was the epitome of a true and trusted friend Margaret could confide in and talk with about anything without feeling used or taken advantage of.

In an attempt to pass the time, Margaret made her way back to the counter and reached for a draw under the cash register. A brief rummage yielded the item she sought; a remote control. Keeping the television on ‘mute’ in case any of the customers started complaining, she cycled through channel after channel for anything of interest.

If Margaret had any hopes for a pleasant and engaging program, they were demolished without haste; a rival news program host complaining about some upcoming movie’s fanbase, the search for someone who created a popular dance decades ago, and endless commercials for superficial objects forgotten long after death. It was almost enough for her to throw the remote at a wall in disgust.

The familiar ring of the shop’s doorbell immediately took her attention. Several new customers made their way down the staircase. A family from the look of things, with the parents dressed in high end suits while the kids pranced around under their feet in costumes. Before Margaret could greet them, the older man pompously declared their arrival. His partner ran a finger across the closest table, grimacing in disgust at the relatively minor layer of dust. Margaret was about to sigh, but reconsidered. Any customer was better than none, and it meant more income for the shop. If their initial appearance were any indication however, it was not going to be a pleasant experience…