I have a heart-ware store filled with stocks but recently, hardly anyone comes by.

In fact, business has always been like this since the first time it opened.

There are a few customers where I've sold my hearts to, but then they always felt that the goods they bought were unsatisfactory.

So they returned them and I refunded in full.

Yet recently these years, my shop became been more busy.

Although I have a few loyal customers, still it felt strange and wonderful to have so many people patronising your store suddenly.

I grew hesistant and skeptical about my good fortune.

My skepticism drove some customers away.

After taking some business lessons, I thought I'd try again.

Maybe this store might tide out afterall.

For 2 years, I experimented what I've learnt, and the risks paid off.

Now, on top of my loyal customers, I have regulars.

They don't just shop from time to time, they make it an effort to check out the latest news and goods at my store.

They said, "Yours is one of the best stores I've ever visited, I never needed to return any faulty parts at all!"

Suddenly, I could hear the future of this humble store.

Lately, I have a strange customer.

He stole a very special "heart" - one that I personally cherished the most.

I called him a thief and a burglar.

For months, I longed for my lost heart and wondered if my store will ever be the same again without it.

My customers who knew consoled me and tell me I can always order another one.

But we both know that although we can replace hearts that are bought, we cannot replace hearts that are stolen.

Then one day, he returned.

And calmly placed the heart in my hand.

Assured me that it was not supposed to be that way, and it had another purpose, another meaning.

I told him, if you ever want to come back and have this heart again, it will have a price.

He nodded and perhaps agreed, perhaps acknowledged, perhaps understood what it meant.

Then yet, we both know, that day will never happen.

He has never been and will never be a customer of this heart-ware store.

Now my business has expanded to include old and new,

On quiet seasons I sit by the cash register and wonder at

My good fortune and our pleasant past.

Then the door bell chimes and these thoughts are interrupted.

Looked up. Saw the man right away.

I knew this store might have to close early today.

=)

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