It's really hot. Sweat trickled down her back and she could feel beads of sweat forming at her hairline. Sarah sighed.

Malaysian weather was hot and humid all year round. Today was no different. Sarah was grateful that she did not wear any makeup. She grimaced as she imagined her makeup melting in the humid heat. Horrendous.

It was during these hot days that Sarah felt grateful for her brown skin. At least she wouldn't get sunburned easily. The fair-skinned Sheila would definitely get a sunburn, no matter how much sunscreen she's wearing.

However, no matter the shade of the skin, the fact that it was hot and uncomfortable was indisputable. Sarah could feel her blouse plastered to her back. She knew that her face would look as shiny as polished silver if she looked at the mirror right then.

Sarah frowned. She wouldn't have to go out and buy her food supplies at the wholesale store if she didn't have to pay her protection fees to Sheila and her gang. She would be able to buy her food supply at the campus mini market, even though it was slightly expensive.

If she didn't have to go to the wholesale store, she wouldn't have to walk this far in the heat of the evening. But no matter what, she would still pay to Sheila to avoid the ragging by seniors. Oh, the things she did to have a peaceful life...

Sarah wiped the sweat on her brows. She needed some shade. A cold bottle of mineral water or a slice of freshly cut watermelon would help too.

Sarah walked to the left. There would be a convenience store in a few steps. She could take a break there. She hastened her steps. She really looked forward to the cool air-conditioned shop.

No way. Sarah stood in front of what was supposed to be the convenience store. Instead of the bright fluorescent lamps, she was seeing dim orange bulbs. Instead of glass panels, she was facing a brick wall with a wooden door that has glass patterns.

The heat must've made me disoriented. Sarah looked at the shops around her but it looked exactly like how it should be. Except for the convenience store.

Sarah made a quick analysis. Even if the convenience store was gone, the current shop looked warm and inviting. The glass patterns had a layer of condensed air on it. It must be cold inside. Looking for another shop that had air-conditioner installed would take extra effort and she would be in the heat for a longer time. She would not lose anything if she went inside.

Plus, this might only be her imagination. The heat had finally fried her brain.

Sarah quietly opened the door and felt a wave of cool air coming from inside. She heaved a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, this shop has air-cond.

She had enough common sense to stand at the door for a while to let her body adjust to the temperature. The heat had already fried her brain. She didn't want the cold to freeze her veins.

She smiled at the old man handling the cash machine. "Hello, grandfather*. I've come to take a look at this shop."

The old cashier smiled kindly and waved his hand. "Please take a look. This shop is all yours. You are our first customer today."

After her body had adjusted to the cold, Sarah went inside. It was an antique shop. It was clean and the items are organised neatly. The dim orange bulb gave off a warm, comforting glow.

"Grandfather, how long has this shop been opened?" Sarah asked quickly.

"More than fifty years. Way before you were born."

"Has it always been here, though? I've never seen this shop before. This used to be the convenience store, right?" Sarah was confused.

"This is the original shop, built more than fifty years ago. However, not everyone would notice this shop. People nowadays are always in a rush..." The old cashier sighed.

Sarah pretended to smile at him, nodded her head and quickly walked to the nearest shelf. Looks like that grandpa is just as crazy as I am.

*****

*Grandfather : Malaysians tend to call everyone older as either Aunty, Uncle, Grandmother or Grandfather. Even though they are not blood related.

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Eireen x