Ue O Muite Arukou

He took a long drag of the cigarette, filling his lungs with sweet smoke. The same kind that filled him since he was nine. Just a small rest and indulgence of the familiar. Cigarette in one hand, and his other scratching his already greying hair. Another day at the shop.

The latest shipment from Japan was a week late. Import taxes had already hit pretty hard. Sales of the foreign knick knacks and decorations were steadily going down. Hiro wondered how he'd manage to keep the shop going. One last drag. Inhale. Release.

"Come on, son. It's time to close up shop. Close your books, let's go home."

The small child packed up his books in a tattered backpack, while staring at his father's cigarette.

"Remember, these are terrible for you. I don't ever want to fucking see you smoke these."

Nod. "I know."

"That's a good boy." A gentle pat. "Let's go. Stick close."

Light off. Door shut. Metal bars down. Padlock secured.

Just like every night, Hiro looked back at the shop, crossed himself, and prayed.