i didn't even know if he was just making a joke or he was being completely serious. it wasn't possible that someone who doesn't have a home.

"what are you saying?" i asked again, as i crossed my arms. i was not sure whether if i should believe him or not.

there were several thoughts running through my mind right now – what if he just pretended to be a beggar and wanted my pity since i was rich? what if he actually bribes me to buy food or provide shelther for him?

"i'm speaking the truth." he answered as he folded the pieces of newspaper nicely in a stack. "i'm homeless. i've been living in the streets for more than 10 years. i move from place to place almost every week since the people would always chase me away, claiming that i'm dirty and that i have bad luck," he let out a small chuckle.

i mean, of course who wouldn't want to chase him away? he looks dirty and just untidy. he looks black from head to toe and his clothes were torn and his pants had holes. he basically looked like any typical beggar who could actually bring me bad luck.

"i'm going to ask you leave too, sooner or later." i stated clearly. his gaze was on me for a split second, before it returned to the floor once again.

"i knew it, i was just a nuisance to everyone. even sleeping in the streets bothered them. why can't they just understand that i'm poor and i don't have a home?" he whispered softly, but i could still hear him.

"if you are going to cry over this, i suggest you better leave now before you regret. i won't hesitate to ask the security guards to throw you away from here. you are right, you are completely a nuisance here. i could already sense that today's business would go downhill, all because of you." i spatted out as i walked into the shop, not caring about the beggar anymore.

---

it was already afternoon but i still didn't had any customers. i was getting bored and sleepy as i looked around the shop. i was proud of myself that i actually cleaned and organised the whole shop.

suddenly, i heard the sound of footsteps shuffling as i quickly looked towards the entrance of the shop. to my astonishment, i saw that beggar again as he was making his way towards the pencils section.

what was he doing here? he don't have any money to buy so what's the point of coming here? his fingers would dirty my stationeries too.

i saw the sight of him once again and he was holding onto a piece of a4 paper and pencil. he happily skipped to me as he placed the materials on the table.

"well, do you even have any money?" i scoffed lowly at him. he dug his pocket and it revealed a two dollar bill as he handed it to me.

i scanned the items as i carefully placed the dirty items inside a plastic bag and gave him back his change. he then turned and walked, heading outside the stall.

"why are you buying things here with that two dollar bill? you could have bought all the necessities or food." i raised my eyebrow at him.

he stopped in his tracks as he swiveled around and gave me a cheeky smile.

"i wanted to become your first customer."

-

hehe guys what's your opinion on this story so far? is it too boring or anything else? i will try my best to improve x

oh and yes, the chapter names are in french ((: