The Heartbreak of Failing

Belle came in every day at 9 am sharp. She always found something to straighten up even though she was the one who closed the night before.

"Good morning, old girl." Belle would pat the antique cash register. "Ready for another day?" she’d say with a giggle. Then she'd flick on the radio and turn on the open sign.

Then she'd wait. Sometimes she'd pick up a book from the shelf and read, or she’d work on her own novel. She'd also do the bookkeeping and whatever else needed to be done. She took good care of me. Her book store.

She'd been working at this store for a few years now. She bought it shortly after college, and her grandparents had helped her, as a grad gift. But in the last year, her bookstore had had to drop staff and was now only open for eight hours each day.

Her accountant came to visit more often. "Belle?" The short stubby man came through the door.

"At the till, Mr. Bannor," she called.

"I've come to talk to you!” He sat at the stool near the till.

“It's not good, is it?" Belle set her book down.

"No Belle, it's really not. I don't need to tell you the store is losing money." He looked down.

"I've cut back everywhere I can." Belle sighed. "I don't want to lose the shop."

“I know. Have you considered adding a coffee bar or something to draw more people in?" the man offered.

“I don't have the income to make changes to the building." She looked around.

I felt for her. She'd been my favourite owner so far.

"What about partnering with a coffee shop on the other side of town? Or one of the ice cream shops? Somebody might be willing to help." The man walked around, looking at all my honours. "Or, I could help you sell it and you could move on to something else. You could always move your store to an online-only store."

“Wouldn't be the same." Belle explained, “If I have to close the store, I'll do a clearance sale or donate the books.” She sighed. "I'll reach out to those shops and see if that helps business. If it doesn't help, I'll close up shop and sell it." Belle ran her hand across the till.

She walked Mr. Banner to the door. "I’m really sorry, Belle."

"I knew a bookstore was risky." Once he left, Belle pressed her head into the wall. "Well, what are we gonna do?"

I wished I had answers for her. Would ice cream or coffee be enough to save the shop? I didn't know. Over the next few weeks, she sent emails and made calls, but nothing came of it.

Soon, it was three days between customers coming in. "Well, I think it's time to call it." Belle phoned up the realtor. They made plans and arrangements. Belle hosted a sale, and friends and family came to help her pack up the books. I will miss her. The store had been so peaceful with her in charge. Who knows who will move in next?

The last box was packed and Belle stood in the centre of the room. “I hope the next owner treats you well." She took one last look around and walked to the counter. "I'll miss our time together."

She left her key on the counter and slowly walked to the door. “Goodbye.” The door chimed as it shut behind her.

I wish I could say goodbye. Instead, I silently watch her walk away from my door for the last time. I hope, wherever she goes next, that life treats her well too.