Mr. Minser owned the only general store in town. He was friends with many of the farm estates, from whom he bought wheat, corn, chicken, and beef. They would often come to give him deals and do business with him. The only people who purchased from his store were the estate's servants, except for Mr. D, the man who sold him the beef and chicken. Mr. D had 15 children, one of whom was 18 and accompanied his father almost everywhere. There was only one large wheat estate nearby, as well as other large estates in the area. Any other nearby estate was at least two hundred miles away.
On a busy day, four businessmen entered his shop. They were the men from whom he had borrowed a loan one year ago in order to purchase a much-needed supply of corn and wheat. However, he was still unable to pay back the loan.
"Look," said one of them, seeming half-asleep, "you need to pay your loan."
Suddenly, there was a shout as someone tried to enter the shop, but the crowd of chatting people inside the doorway prevented them.
It happened to be his sister with her four little kids with their pocket money who liked to buy candy. His sister simply grabbed an apron, smiled, and said, "Busy day, huh," before going into the back of the store.
I want four candies said the youngest timing up to the counter and putting down his money.
Ok just wait one minute he replied.
Just then mister d entered I have got a parasol for you plus I need my toggle you cleaned he said.
Mr. Minser nodded and took the parasol from Mr. D. "Sure thing, let me get your toggle," he said, heading to the back of the store to retrieve it.
Meanwhile, one of the businessmen spoke up again. "We're serious, Mr. Minser. You need to pay back your loan. We've been patient long enough."
Mr. Minser sighed, feeling the weight of his financial struggles. "I understand, but business has been slow. I promise I'll try to make some payments soon."
Just then, another customer entered the store. It was Mr. Thompson, the owner of the large wheat estate nearby. He greeted Mr. Minser with a friendly smile. "Morning, Minser. I brought you some fresh wheat. I know you make the best bread in town."
Mr. Minser's face brightened up. "Thank you, Thompson. Your wheat is always top-notch." He took the bags of wheat from Mr. Thompson and put them in the storage area.
As he walked back to the counter, he saw his sister and her children browsing through the candy section. The youngest child, still waiting patiently, reminded him about the candies he wanted. Mr. Minser quickly grabbed four candies and handed them to the child, who happily gave him the money.
Just then, Mr. D, who had been waiting by the counter, reminded Mr. Minser about the toggle he needed cleaned. Mr. Minser smiled and grabbed the toggle, handing it back to Mr. D.
"Thanks, Minser," Mr. D said before leaving the store.
Mr. Minser turned back to the businessmen, feeling slightly overwhelmed with everything happening at once. "Gentlemen, I apologize for the delay. I will make it a priority to start repaying the loan. I appreciate your patience," he reassured them.
The businessmen nodded, still looking serious, but seemed to have softened a bit. "We'll hold you to that, Minser," one of them said before they left the store.
As the crowd inside the store began to disperse, Mr. Minser took a moment to catch his breath. Running the only general store in town was no easy task, but he was determined to make it work. He knew he had the support of his friends in the farm estates, his loyal customers, and most importantly, his family.
With a renewed sense of determination, Mr. Minser got back to work, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead and make his store thrive once again.