Open For Business

Today seemed like a tough day. The walk was long and mostly uphill, the pack was heavy and the rain that seemed so refreshing yesterday would not let up.

A massive storm swept in from the ocean and before I knew it, I was looking for cover. Anything would have done, but little did I know that where I was heading was going to become a timely reminder of just how good life is.

I found myself following a twisting road towards a small village; well that’s what I hoped was there. But after the year that small businesses have faced, you can’t guarantee that what once was will ever be again.

To my relief, as well as my feet, I was greeted by a young boy called Eddie. When I told him I wanted a room for the night, he ran off to find his father without saying a word.

A few minutes passed and they returned with kind smiles that I guess I looked like I needed. Eddie’s father, Pak Noman, opened the door to my little oasis and asked if he could have five minutes before I came in.

Curiously I watched through the window as this proud man swept the floor, wiped down the counters and straightened out the bed. Upon finishing, he apologised; I asked, “for what”? To which he replied, “you are my first guest in a year.”

My heart sunk as his chest rose. Facing financial ruin and endless hardship, this proud man still had faith that in the end, it will be what it will be. But until the end, he will do all he can for his family and hopefully for his future guests.

I took a cold shower and considered my tough day. Let’s be honest; it wasn’t tough at all.

It’s been over a year since our world changed, and still, we hope, pray and believe that one day it will return to the normal we all took for granted. Until then, I offer my respect and support to those who have been crippled by the events of 2020.