The rain beat hard against the glass of the small bakery. Inside, the air smelled like flower and burnt sugar. helen stood behind the counter, counting the money in the register for the second time. Sixty-two dollars. That was all she had made for today business. It wasn鈥檛 even enough to cover the flour and electricity bills for the weeks she has to use, let alone the rent.
For many years, this bakery had belonged to her family. Her father had baked bread here, and his father before him. But the city was changing, modernization was taking place. Big, shiny coffee chains were opening on every corner, and people didn鈥檛 buy handmade bread from an old lady anymore
The door bell jingled, the door opens and a cold wind blew into the shop. A tall man in a sharp, expensive grey suit walked in. He didn't look like the usual neighborhood locals. He shook the water off his black umbrella and went straight to the counter.
he said "Good evening, Ms. Vick," the man said, pulling a leather folder from his bag. "I am Mr. Joseph, representing Apex Development Corporation.
"Helen鈥檚 stomach tightened. She knew why he was here. For six months, Apex had been buying up every old building on the block to tear them down and build luxury apartments. Helen was the last having different thought.
"I told your boss on the phone, Mr. Joseph. I am not selling," Helen said, her voice shaking slightly but firm.
Mr. Joseph smiled, but his eyes stayed cold. He opened the folder and slid a white paper across the counter. Everyone has a price, Helen. Look at the number. Helen looked down. The offer was four hundred thousand dollars. It was more money than she had ever seen in her life. It was enough to buy a nice house by the beach, retire comfortably, and never worry about money again.
If you sign tonight, the money will be in your account tomorrow morning," Mr. Joseph said softly. If you don't, we will start construction on the buildings next to you. The dust and noise will kill your business anyway. You will lose the shop and get nothing. He was right, and Helen knew it. She looked around her bakery. The paint was peeling on the walls. The oven was old, slow and loud. She was tired. Her bones ached every morning from kneading dough. Maybe it was time to let go.
She picked up the silver pen Mr. Joseph offered. Her hand hovered over the signature line.
Just then, the bell jingled again. A little girl, around eight years old, ran into the shop, followed by her mother. Their jackets were soaked from the storm. The little girl had a big smile on her face, despite the rain."Miss Helen" the girl cried out, leaning against the glass display. "Is there any chocolate bread left? I got an A on my math test today, and Mom said we could celebrate!"
Helen looked at the girl, Lily, who lived in the apartment upstairs. Every Friday, Lily came in for a treat. Helen looked at Lily's mother, a hardworking nurse who often looked just as tired as Helen felt everyday due to nursing demand. This shop wasn't just a business; it was a warm shelter for the neighborhood. If Apex tore it down, the soul of the street would go with it.
Elena slowly put the pen down on the counter. She pushed the paper back to Mr. Joseph.
"I can't sign it,"
Helen said quietly.
Mr. Joseph frowned, his polite mask slipping.
"Are you foolish?
You will go bankrupt in a month"
"Maybe, helen said, looking him dead in the eye. But some things are worth fighting for. Please leave.
"Mr. Joseph packed his folder angrily and stormed out into the rain.
Helen turned to Lily with a bright smile. "I saved the very last chocolate loaf just for you, Lily. And since you got an A, this one is on the house.
"As the little girl cheered, Helen looked out the window at the dark, rainy street. She still didn't know how she would pay the rent next month, but looking at the happy family in her shop, she knew she had made the right choice.
THANK YOU FOR READING MY STORY I HOPE YOU FIND IT INTERESTING
WRITTEN BY @NURSEJOE
Image created by AI
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