The rhythmic chop of a cleaver quickly and quietly, harvesting the meat echoed in the largely empty butchers shop. Yes, those places yet existed in certain small towns and the quality was always nice. There was only three around today- Mr. Blake, the owner and butcher. Mrs. Pheel, a teacher and the young lady behind the counter as she tallied up the sale. She had yet to change from her usual garb, her only concession to the job being a rather cheerful looking apron with the face of a smiling pig.
In her private times, she often wondered why a pig would look so happy in a butchers shop. A moment later, the cash register rang up and she turned enough to reveal her nametag 'Stephanie' as she spoke in a flat intonation.
"We're doing a special on pork bones. Would you like me to add that up?"
"No thank you, we're fine."
Stephanie shrugged and the sale was made.
"Happy Halloween Mrs. Pheel."
"You as well dear!"
Stephanie leaned on the counter, watching her go before with the ease of an old campaigner rolling up a cigarette, she popped open a container and flicked a gum piece in her mouth. Outside, the leafs flew by in their vibrant coloration of red and orange. The cold wafted briefly from the open door, before Mrs. Pheel left and brought on a scent of oncoming frost. Hail October, welcome October.
And cue the end of her work shift as she removed her apron and called out.
"Mr. Blake, I'll see you at home!"
An unlocking of her bike and in five minutes, she was pedaling away. It was a nice day.
She could afford a ride.
