LOOKING AFTER THE SHOP

Inna have an uncle and he has a little provision shop in the village. One Saturday,
Inna’s uncle had to go outstations urgently. Inna was asked to help out for the
day because there was no one to take his place.

At 7 o’clock in the morning, a newspaper van brought in several copies of the daily
local newspapers. Inna took delivery of the papers and arranged them neatly on
the stands in front of the shop.

Then, two office workers were coming to the shop when Inna arranged the
newspapers. They bought a newspaper and a packet of cigarettes each. They paid
for the things and Inna gave them the correct change. They were friendly men.

Next, Inna dusted the glass shelves. Soon, a housewife dropped in to buy onions,
potatoes and sugar while Inna was resting on the bench. Inna weighed each item
carefully and packed the things for her. Three other housewives walked into the
shop while Inna was busy serving other customers.

Later, three unruly boys from the village was walking in briskly when Inna had a
drink of coffee. They were rough and noisy, yelling at Inna to serve them. Inna
quickly put down her cup to see what they needed. They asked for peanuts,
chewing gum, biscuits and toffees which Inna packed hastily for them. Inna
discovered they had given her forty cents short while they were leaving the shop.
Inna rushed out after them but they ran so fast. Inna could not catch them. Inna
returned to the shop. She was panting and sweating when she entered the shop.
Inna was really annoyed with them but she waited patiently for the next customer.

He was an old man from the village. He came on a bicycle. He stopped by to get
rice, sugar and milk. He sat down on the bench and he chatted with Inna kindly for
a while. He was asking about Inna and her uncle when they chatted. Then, after he
finished smoking his pipe, he cycled off slowly. He also gave Inna a warm smile.

At 7 o’clock in the evening, Inna was feeling very tired. Just then, she saw her
uncle returning in a taxi. Inna was truly relieved and happy to see him. She stayed
on for a few minutes reporting to him the day's business. Then, Inna went home,
totally exhausted after an unusual day of playing the role of a shopkeeper.