River Glidewell's Arc

Chapter 2 of 4

River's first task was simple: learn the menu inside and out. They grabbed the leather-bound book from beneath the counter and flipped it open. Roasted pine nut salad, arctic char with honey glaze, cranberry tarts—each dish had a story. River read every description twice, then said them out loud. Their whiskers twitched as they practiced the right tone, friendly but professional. A customer would ask questions, and River needed answers ready. They closed the book and smiled. Knowing the products was step one. Tomorrow, they'd practice on real people. The next morning, River stood outside the shop with a toolbox. Snow had started falling overnight, and white flakes covered the display tables. The merchandise needed protection. River hauled out a display case with a wooden frame and glass doors. They lifted it onto the table and checked the seal. The glass kept the products visible while blocking wind and snow. River placed gift boxes inside and latched the doors shut. Customers could see everything without the goods getting wet or cold. River stepped back and noticed people walking past without stopping. They needed something to catch attention. A chalkboard with a wooden frame sat propped against the wall. River grabbed it and carried it to the front of the display. They wrote "Daily Deals" in white chalk across the black surface. The sign was clear and easy to read from the path. River added the shop hours below and underlined them twice. Now people would know when to stop by. River dusted the chalk from their paws and grinned. The display looked sharp, and the information was right there for everyone to see. Step two was done.