Bargain Books, nestled on a side street off the main shopping strip in the heart of the city, held a treasure trove of old and unusual books. It was the owner’s dedication to preserving older books that made the shop popular among readers of all ages. Walls crammed with books from floor to ceiling and the two centre bookcases running the length of the shop were stocked two deep on some shelves.

The old carpet appeared faded in areas the sun touched through the window on sunny summer afternoons. In other areas, the carpet, worn from years of wear, looked tattered and bare. There was an old antique smell about the place, as though it was lost in time and the dust had developed its own unique odour.

Gene casually strolled into the shop, his backpack hanging low on his back over his black tee and jeans.

“Finally,” Ted said when he saw the nineteen-year-old stroll towards him.

“Afternoon, Ted,” Gene greeted the older man. He ignored the roll of Ted’s eyes as he walked behind the counter to start his shift.

“Didn’t I tell you I needed to leave early today?” Ted scoffed as he removed his store apron and passed it to Gene.

Gene looked at his wrist, minus a watch, and gave Ted a quizzical look.

“Don’t give me any cheek. Mary’s waiting for me and I hate leaving her on her own.”

“How is she coping?” Gene asked.

Ted’s wife, Mary, was due to give birth to their third child—and was ten days overdue. Mary’s first two pregnancies had been without issues, but this third one had been difficult, likely owing to the fact that she was in her late forties now.

Ted let out a deep sigh, running a hand through his thinning grey hair.

“Mary says she’s fine, but…” Ted shook his head, trying to find the right words.

“She’s being stubborn,” Gene answered.

Ted nodded. “Thinks she can still do everything herself. Had to convince her to wait for me to pick her up rather than meet her at the hospital. So obstinate.”

Gene smiled. Given his close relationship with Ted and Mary, they were like family to him.

“Anything I can do to help, let me know.”

“Thanks.” Ted gave Gene a pat on the shoulder before trudging to the back of the shop.

Ted’s anxiety had continued to grow, especially with the appointment that afternoon to induce the birth fast approaching. There was nothing Gene could do but be there for his friends. When Mary first started having issues a few months into her pregnancy, they had asked Gene to help out at the shop. He willingly helped where he could, grateful he’d been offered the job after his recent illness. Although he had issues interacting with people, Gene found the work enjoyable, and it gave him the opportunity to read while working.

Ted returned to the front of the shop and dropped the keys on the counter.

“Make sure you lock up. Money is in the safe. Front light left on.”

“Ted, stop, I’ve done this before. Go before Mary yells at you for being late.”

“She’ll know who to blame if I am.”

“Not me,” Gene told him matter-of-factly. “Mary loves me more than you.”

Ted huffed and said nothing.

“Give her my love and let me know if it’s a girl or boy.”

“Will do,” Ted replied.

Gene reached out and gave Ted a pat on the arm. “It will be fine. You’ve got two healthy daughters. Nothing to worry about with this one.”

“I know. I’m more worried about Mary. It hasn’t been easy this time.”

“She’s a tough nut, Ted. Now go, because it’s you I’m more worried about.”

“Going, going,” Ted replied with a wave as he left the shop.

Gene pulled up the stool behind him, leaned his elbows on the counter, and rested his chin in the palm of his hands. He loved his job in the bookshop and he always thought it was lucky that work was always there when he needed it. When he’d been in school, it had always been a struggle. He had always been socially awkward and often anxious, and things only grew worse after the death of his father, John, in his fourth year of high school. Without the strength of his father to lean on, Gene’s world slowly fell apart. When bills went unpaid and money became an issue, Gene had been left with no choice but to take part-time work to help out. When his mother’s mental health became worse, Gene was forced to quit school and take a second job during the day to support his family.

During the early days of his mother’s worsening illness, Gene had done all he could to help her and keep his family stable. But his mother’s illness soon broke Gene. Without his own support, Gene was left alone to face his mother’s anger until she finally crossed the line.

Gene hated remembering the past.

Why couldn’t she control herself? Gene always asked himself.

Unable to forgive her after that, their relationship had deteriorated to a point where they barely spoke to each other. His siblings, who were years younger, couldn’t understand the reasons behind Gene’s lack of relationship with their mother, and Gene had never explained.

Gene accepted his circumstances. The bills were paid, and what little extra Gene made, he saved. His plan to continue working two jobs until he could afford to move out seemed reasonable at the time, and it worked well for three years. But all that had come to an end five months prior when Gene came down with glandular fever. Gene had been forced to quit his two jobs after being left bedridden for weeks.

Gene let out a deep sigh as the memories of the last twelve months began to overwhelm him.

If only my father were still alive, Gene had thought to himself more times than he could remember. It had never been the same after his father’s death and he hated that it was like that. Post-recovery, Gene found he tired easily and wasn’t able to work as he had before. The only good that came out of his illness was that his mother, Sally, had returned to work. In the time Gene had supported the family on his own, his mother had hidden away from the world, allowing her depression to consume her. Yet, even with Sally working again, their family was still disjointed and broken.

Ted and Mary had known Gene’s father well. He had been a regular at their shop. Gene had met then a few times when his father was alive, but it was only after his father’s death that they grew closer. They had always looked out for him, particularly when they’d learned of his illness.

They’ve taken the place of my parents, Gene often thought, grateful to have them in his life.

The job at the bookstore came up when Mary’s pregnancy had begun to cause her health issues and Ted had needed to be around more to help with their two daughters. With Gene still struggling with constant fatigue, Ted and Mary considered it a good opportunity for Gene to get back into the workforce. They knew about Gene’s illness and his struggle to get back on his feet, so they were flexible with Gene’s working hours.

Without a car, Gene took to walking to and from work. The forty minutes it took might have been shorter if he’d taken the bus, but his anxiety around strangers in tight spaces created more stress than he needed in his life.

And the germs in those places, Gene thought with a shudder. There’d have to be a good reason to get Gene on a bus.

Determined to return to full health, Gene knew the exercise he got from walking would help him to get back on track, even if it often left him tired.

Being employed at the bookshop worked well for Gene. He enjoyed sitting around and serving customers. Sometimes if he got bored, he read a book or two. It was the perfect job now that he had his health to consider. Still, sometimes the quiet nature of the job left Gene questioning his usefulness. He wanted to work where the money was, to save and get out, but he had ruined those chances by ruining his health.

“Chin up, Gene.” He murmured to himself, as he watch people walking passed the shop window, “Every day is getting better. Give yourself time.”

Gene huffed. The advice he gave himself was good and well for his health but it did nothing to stem his mental issues.