The Replacement Helper: Part 4

Cont. from the last post


The next day, Mr Dohmoto went to Tanaka's shop. Tanaka was surprised to see Mr Dohmoto. 'Morning, Mr Dohmoto. What brings you to my lovely food store today? How's your wife? Hope she is feeling fine.' Asked Tanaka with a slightly low tone than usual. Mr Dohmoto stared at Tanaka. Immediately a shot of fear entered Tanaka's mind. The towering build of Mr Dohmoto plus the fear-inducing eyes. All plays a part of the blame on the fear inflicted.


Before he came to the store, Mr Dohmoto woke up early to prepare for work. But he is not wearing his business suit, silk tie and leather shoes. He wears a pair of loose trousers, a sweater knitted by Mrs Dohmoto two winters ago and a jacket to keep himself warm. Mrs Dohmoto wakes up before he leaves home, saw that he is wearing so casual can't help herself but ask, 'Where are you going today? Don't you need to work?'

'My dear, i got good and bad news for you . Bad news is that i have been retrenched. They gave me three months of salary, medical benefits and a reccomendation letter.'

What? You have been retrenched? Oh my god...' As Mrs Dohmoto gathers herself, she continues her sentence. 'Okie, that is indeed a bad news. And im sick. Who would provide income for our family right now? Sigh... So what is the good news?'

'Since i have all the time in the world, i am thinking of going to substitue you as a helper in Tanaka's store. At least for the time being... Im sure Tanaka would not mind right?'

'What?!?!' Mrs Dohmoto was shocked. 'Im not very sure about this. But i guess it should not be a problem. Just don't be a nuisace to him alright?' After finishing the last sentence, she kissed him lightly on the cheek and put weak smile appeared on her face.


'Morning to you Mr Tanaka. I have come to replaced my wife. Since she is sick, i will be taking over all her duties from today onwards. I hope you will guide me throughout my time here with you.' As he finished the sentence, he gave a 90 degrees bow to Tanaka and said, 'Please guide me and thank you for your guidance.' Tanaka is taken surprised, very surprised. The cat has indeed got his tongue this time. 'Ah... Eh... You welcome, Mr Dohmoto...' He wonders what can he do in this tiny store of his. Well, Mrs Dohmoto is in-charge of the cashier, he might as well take charge of it today.


After a crash course through the cash register, Mr Dohmoto is ready for his first day at the store. Wearing an apron and a small chef's hat, he still looks rather menacing with his towering looks and stern looking face. Throughout the entire morning, there has not been a single order. Tanaka was wondering what is happening. Even the morning aunties that goes grocery shopping would pop in to buy a box or two. So he step out of his kitchen to see what is happening. Nothing was wrong, everything was fine. Except that he did not notice this tiny little problem.


Customers were afraid of Mr Dohmoto, his stern and serious appearance cast scares to all who entered the store. Furthermore, he did not smile or look cheerful. It was the same serious face that he brought to his previous workplace. Tanaka just didn't see this problem. He returned back to his kitchen believing that its a small problem. A hiccup in doing business is natural. Or so as he thought...