Free Sample
Preview from chapter one
Meki squinted at the glaring sun outside the dusty windows of the small convenience store. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon in the quiet neighborhood, and the usual buzz of customers had dwindled to a gentle murmur. Her mom, Suki, bustled around the aisles, stocking shelves with colorful snacks and neatly arranging the newspapers. The bell above the door jingled as a regular customer strolled in, humming to the tune of an old pop song.
Suki looked up from her work and flashed Meki a weary smile. "Can you check the computer again, sweetheart?" she asked, her voice laced with concern. "It's been acting up all day."
Meki sighed and stepped out from behind the counter, her sneakers squeaking against the linoleum floor. The computer was stationed at the back of the store, a beacon of light and noise in the otherwise peaceful atmosphere. She tapped the keyboard a few times, but the screen remained frozen on the error message. "It's not responding, Mom," she called out. "I think we might need some help with this."
Her mom's expression grew more troubled. The cash register was connected to the computer, and without it, they couldn't ring up any sales. Meki knew how much her mom relied on the weekend business to keep the store afloat. "Okay," Suki said, wiping her hands on her apron. "Call James. He's good with these things."
James was Meki's childhood friend and the local tech whiz. He had a knack for fixing everything from smartphones to old TV sets. She dialed his number, hoping he wasn't too busy with his own weekend plans. After a few rings, he answered. "What's up, Mek?"
"Hey James," Meki said, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice. "The computer's acting up at the store, and Mom's freaking out. Can you come over and take a look?"
"Sure thing," James replied, his tone easy and reassuring. "I'll be there in a jiffy."
Meki's shoulders relaxed slightly as she ended the call. James had always been reliable, and she knew he'd do his best to help them out. Twenty minutes later, the bell jingled again, and in walked James, his tall, lanky frame casting a shadow across the floor. He was dressed casually in a t-shirt and jeans, a backpack slung over one shoulder.
"Hi, Mrs. Suki," he said, flashing a smile at Meki's mom as he approached the counter.