**
Miss Ginifer Sweetly
Take advantage of an opportunity when it presents itself.
You may not get another chance.
–Harry Finkle
Robert held his breath as he entered the large room of the general shop. He noticed Jack balancing on a shaky three-legged stool.
Robert muffled a giggle, then asked, “What are you doing, Jack?” Did I go back far enough? Robert wondered. Jack stocks the shelves all the time.
“I’m restocking the shelves, like I always do at the end of the day,” Jack said. Jack placed a few tins on the top shelf and straightened them one by one.
“Have you finished your inspection of the hourglasses and decided to finally come help me?” Jack asked. “Hand me another tin, will you please?”
“Here you go, Jack,” Robert said, and handed his brother a tin. But inwardly, Robert rejoiced. I remember this! he thought. I’m back when I belong!
Just then the shop bell hanging above the entrance door rang. A young lady carrying a small package entered and carefully scanned the store. When she spotted Jack and Robert at the back, she smiled.
Jack stepped down from the stool and wiped his hands on his trousers. “Hello, Miss Ginifer. How are you this evening?”
This is it! Robert thought excitedly. This is where it all started. This is when my first mistake happened! Now I can make everything right, starting with Jack. Robert listened intently. He didn’t want to miss his chance.
“I’m quite well, thank you for asking, Jack,” Miss Ginifer replied. “I’ve brought your order,” she said, and stepped forward to hand over the package.
Just then the shop bell rang once again. Thomas Appleton stepped inside and walked over to the counter. He turned towards Jack and Robert, then tapped his fingers impatiently.
Robert narrowed his eyes. He remembered everything. Did Thomas truly want to walk Miss Ginifer home? he wondered. Or had it simply been because I acted like a scared child?
“Thank you,” Jack said to Miss Ginifer. His cheeks turned a light shade of pink, and a shine of sweat appeared on his forehead.
“Would you mind very much walking me home, Jack?” Miss Ginifer asked, and smiled.
Jack cleared his throat, then looked at Robert. “Will you keep an eye on the shop while I’m gone? I won’t be long.”
“Me? You want me to watch the shop all by myself?” Robert’s eyes widened. Oh, no! I hadn’t meant to respond that way! I was caught off guard because I was thinking of what happened in the past. But this is the past! It’s becoming hard to keep things straight.
“You’ll be fine, Robert. You’re 10-years-old now, and I won’t be gone long.”
Robert paused and composed himself.
Then he said, “Yes, you’re right, Jack. I am 10-years-old. I won’t be scared.” Robert smiled. This is it! “Everything will be fine. You’ll see!”
Thomas’ laughter immediately filled the shop. Jack, Robert and Ginifer turned towards him.
Oh no, Robert thought. Thomas is still here. It’s not over yet!
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation,” Thomas said, then coughed to stifle his outburst. “But I think I have a solution to your problem, Jack.”
Jack narrowed his eyes and crossed his arms over his chest.
Robert crossed his arms over his chest too, and glared at Thomas.
“As I was saying,” Thomas continued, “I could assist Robert while you walk Miss Ginifer home. I need to purchase some supplies and he wouldn’t be left alone.”
Miss Ginifer looked at Jack and waited for him to respond.
“That sounds like a fine idea,” Robert said, then grinned.
Jack looked at Miss Ginifer and smiled.
“It’s settled then,” Thomas said. “Jack will see you home safely, Miss Ginifer.”
“Shall we be on our way then?” Jack held out his arm to Miss Ginifer.
Miss Ginifer’s eyes met Thomas’, but neither of them said a word. She then turned to Jack and said, “Yes, thank you. I must be getting home.”
Robert and Thomas silently watched Jack and Miss Ginifer leave the shop. After they were gone, Robert returned to stocking the shelves. He was very quiet.
“What’s wrong, Robert?” Thomas asked, handing him another tin.
“It’s nothing,” Robert said, and paused before placing the tin on the shelf. “Everything is exactly the way it should be,” Robert finally said and smiled.