The Replacement Helper: Part 2

Cont. from the last post...

It is the sixth day of winter. Everywhere on the streets you can see people wearing their winter clothing with their scarves, gloves and hats or caps. It does not snow in this town but the cold winds more than covers up for it. Rain or shine, warm or cold. Tanaka would open his store for business unless it's a rest day or in the event of weather disasters. Once he was stuck at home with a category three thunderstorm. When he came back, the store glass was shattered and almost all the things inside were destroyed. If it wasn't covered by the insurance company, Tanaka would declare bankrupt the next day.


Mrs Dohmoto as usual reports to work. She does not seem alright today. She is caught sneezing badly by Tanaka. 'Mrs Dohmo, if you are unwell take the day off and go back rest. Shiori can cover your duties for today.'

'I'm alright, just a little flu. Nothing much will happen to me. Thank you Mr Tanaka,' was her reply.


Tanaka just merely smiled and replied, 'if you feel that it is getting worse please let any of us know and I get a taxi to send you home. Here.' Tanaka pass a cup of hot green tea to Mrs Dohmoto, 'finish this and keep your body warm. It's another cold day today.' 'Thanks Mr Tanaka, I will.' She takes the cup of tea from Tanaka and takes small sips from the cup.


Mornings are usually not crowded as people seldom buy bentos as breakfast. Most of the customers in the morning are students who are late for school or late for their exams. They would than proceed to school on bus or train while eating the bento to settle their hunger. Mrs Dohmoto is hanging on to her flu while serving the stores' customers. Customers are able to see that she is sick but the smile and friendliness is still present.


When Atchara comes in for the afternoon shift, she sees Mrs Dohmoto sick like a dog. She is trying to stay strong and greeted Atchara with a weak smile. 'Mrs Dohmoto, are you okay? You forehead hot. Very very hot. Mr Tanakaaa!' She screamed. 'Mrs Dohmoto head hot. You touch,' she grabs Tanaka's hand and places it on top of Mrs Dohmoto forehead. Tanaka is caught unaware of the hot forehead and quickly takes away his hand. 'Mrs Dohmoto, you are burning up! Please go home and rest. Shiori today will take care of your duties. Atchara.' He passes a couple of cash notes from his pocket to her. 'Get Mrs Dohmoto a cab and makes sure she gets home safely. Need be, follow her to the doctor. Thank you Atchara.' 'Okay, I bring Mrs Dohmoto home. I come back later.'


Tanaka gave a sigh and moved back to his kitchen. He was worried about his business, who would take the cash register now that Mrs Dohmoto is sick. Oniji and Shiori are too shy and they do not know how to operate the cash register. Atchara is still struggling with her Japanese, who would take the counter...