Behind the counter stood Jim, laughing and smiling as he looked up a part for a customer. Finding the part, he proudly tells the customer of his success and suggests a better, less expensive alternative.

Between smiles, Jim occasionally wonders what happened. When he took the job at the parts house after highschool, it was a short-term gig. He was going to go to college, the first in his family, then start his own business and marry a beautiful wife and have a few kids and make some real money. He was a hard worker, and he had dreams.

"Thanks, Jim. 'ppreciate it," the customer smiled sincerely. "They better be treating you right around here, 'cause most of us wouldn't be comin' if it weren't for you. That CJ is a damn idiot," he offered as he began to leave.

CJ was the owners kid, running the business through the success of hard working nepotism. He truly was an idiot, but Jim felt the need to look after him, after the business. CJ's dad had been a good boss, and loved the business, and Jim had great respect for the founder, but CJ was making it all a chore.

After falling in love with a beautiful woman, Jim was crushed when she tossed him aside emotionally castrated. It took him little time to find a very unbeautiful, safe woman to turn into his loyal, mothering wife. He preferred it simple, and enjoyed the safety and security of what he knew. One year blended into the next, into another and another, until it all seemed like too much to return to any plan that was now relegated to childish dreams.

The dream of kids dried up when it turned out she was infertile. He attempted to leave her, but getting caught having an affair failed as an escape route when she did not let him go, and then another year blurred by in simple discomfort, secure. He still dreamed of his own business, but wanted the steady paycheck, and was satisfied with the little extra he made doing side work. Things were good.

"Line 3, Jim."

"Thanks, Del. Hello?"

"I just received your message. I'm sorry," his wife comforted. "Look, you're too good for this. You run that place. If he won't give you a raise then quit and go across the street. They've already said they'll pay you more. You've got to leave! That little CJ can't run the place without you. Quit, you're too good for this!"

"I can't talk now, Sweetie. I've got to go. Don't be mad," he gently pleaded.

"You can't talk?"

"Not now, Sweetie, I've got customers. We'll talk when I get home. Luv ya."

"Alright. Are you going to be home for dinner at 6?"

"Yeah, I'll be there."

"Are you sure?"

"Yeah, Sweetie. See you when I get home. Luv ya." Jim set the phone down, put on his biggest smile and began again assisting customers.

Jim enjoyed assisting customers. It made him feel good, helping people, confirming his knowledge and usefulness. And as the next 3 hours flew by, he felt like the knowledge king, a benevolent ruler.

As the last customers trickled out, CJ stuck his head through the door, shouting to Jim, "You need to close. I'm going home to have dinner with the family." Before Jim could clear his throat and muster an answer, CJ left for the evening.

Uncertain how to not do his job, Jim began closing. He mumbled and scolded CJ in the loneliness of the empty shop. Half past 6, the phone rang. Jim knew it was his wife, so he did not answer. He started working a bit faster, hoping to get home by 7:15, afraid it would be 8. He continued going through the motions, smiling as he remembered some of the banter he shared with customers during the day, wondering when things would change.

The phone rang, continuously.