Help Please

Help Please!

When the bell on the shop door alerted the proprietor, he came to the front of store immediately.

Ladd Extreme was startled to see a tiny old woman standing at the front counter with a bulging tote bag.

“I need your help,” she said briskly.

“Do you need help finding something in the shop Ms....”

“Magda Alim, no thank you.”

“What can I help you with then?” Ladd asked in bewilderment.

“For starters, can you lift this tote onto your counter for me?”

Kind and obliging, Ladd did so.

Magda began to empty the tote, one item at a time. Ladd watched in fascination.

“My, my! There are some interesting preserves here. Were you wanting me to sell them for you?”

“No thank you! I just need you to... I’m so embarrassed to ask,” she said as she gestured for him to bend over so she could whisper in his ear.

Ladd broke into a smile as he listened.

“Of course! With pleasure!”

The owner of Extreme Groceries did as she asked. He carefully reloaded her wheeled tote bag. He rolled the tote to the door and wished her a good day. Business picked up right away as more and more elderly customers came by for help.

A week later, she was back and this time with a plastic lined grocery wheelie.

“Good to see you again, Magda!” Ladd said.

“Can I trouble you again?”

Ladd obliged. After reloading her wheelie, he heard:

“Can you recommend a good cookie to have with tea?”

“Certainly! Try these!”

“I’ll take ten packages, they look delicious!”

After seeing her out, Ladd shook his head.

“Who knew I’d be providing a jar opening service and that it would prove such a boost for customer relations?” he thought.