Nothing special, just some gum and maybe a chocolate bar. On my way home, I stopped by this small corner store, the kind that still has handwritten price tags and the recognizable dusty scent of old candy wrappers.

I debated between grape and mint while waiting by the refrigerator because there were two people in front of me. The man in front of me then moved aside, and I moved forward—

However, I wasn’t the next.

A cat was there, paws up on the counter, tail flicking behind him as if he lived there.

not merely wandering in off the street or loitering. No. It was obvious that this little guy was here to do business.

The store owner didn’t even bat an eye. Leaning over as if anticipating him, he grinned. “Are you back for more?” He said as he took something out of a plastic container.