The day after their much-needed day off, Ted and Sally found themselves back at the grocery store, fully immersed in the hustle and bustle of their daily routine. Sally stood behind the cash register, assisting customers and engaging in friendly conversations while Ted tackled the backlog of stock that needed to be shelved.

Feeling a momentary reprieve, Ted took a break from his shelving duties and walked over to Sally at the cash register. His brow glistened with sweat, and his shirt clung to his tired body. Sally poured him a cup of water instinctively.

"Oh honey, you are a lifesaver." Ted expressed with gratitude, his eyes softening as he looked at her with affection.

"Do you regret not asking Becky to come in today and help you with the shelving?" She posed a question, her voice filled with curiosity

Ted sighed and glanced at the boxes of unshelved items, realizing the significant amount of work that still lay ahead.

"I do wish Becky was here," he admitted, his tone laced with resignation, "But it's the right thing to give her the day off. She's on her university break, and I've done this work for years, today's no different than any other."

Ted barely finished half of his water before he started heading back to his shelving task. However, Sally swiftly intervened, grabbing his hand and urging him to take a longer break. Concern etched across her face.

"Don't go spraining your arm or leg Ted. The day is still young even though you are not.".

Taking advantage of their close proximity, Ted playfully nudged Sally, a mischievous smile adorning his face.

"I'd still be good in bed even if I injured my arms and legs," he teased, his voice filled with a mixture of affection and playful banter.

Sally's cheeks flushed with embarrassment, and she gently swatted Ted with her hand, her smile betraying her amusement.

"You wouldn't be good for anything if you can't work and bring in an income!" she quipped, her tone playful yet punctuated with a hint of seriousness, "We need to consider our new physical limitations as we get older. Running the store by ourselves, it's not easy work. It's very physical."

Ted, intrigued by Sally's comment, couldn't help but ask the question that lingered in his mind.

"Are you thinking about giving all this up?" he inquired, his eyes searching Sally's face for any hint of certainty.

Sally settled into her seat behind the register, her gaze turning inward as she contemplated the question. Her thoughts drifted back to their day off, the blissful respite they had experienced, free from the responsibilities and constant physical demands of the store.

After a moment of reflection, Sally responded slowly and pensively, her voice carrying a weight of contemplation.

"Yes, someday I would want to give it up. Preferably before we become old fossils that can't even go out for a walk in the woods." she confessed, her words measured and thoughtful.

Ted regarded Sally with a mixture of seriousness and longing, the weight of the store's significance in his life looming large. Memories of his own strained relationship with his father, who had left the store as his sole meaningful inheritance. Ted had always felt a deep connection to the store, as if it were a bridge to his father's redemption in his own memory.

"Not anytime soon, right?" a sad smile graced Ted's face as he asked Sally, his voice tinged with vulnerability,

Stolen novel; please report.

Sally's supportive gaze met Ted's, her expression filled with understanding and empathy.

"When the time is right." she reassured him, her voice warm and comforting.

Ted savors a long, replenishing sip of water, relishing the refreshing coolness that soothes his thirst. Sporting a mischievous grin, he playfully punctuates the moment with an exaggerated "ahhh," eliciting giggles from Sally. Her laughter dances through the air, harmonizing with Ted's whimsical humor. The sight of Sally's smile floods him with immense joy, widening his own grin.

Refreshed by the pause, Ted appears to bask in the present, his fatigue momentarily eclipsed. Abruptly, a notion ignites within him, sparking a tingling sense of excitement and possibility.

"I don't mean to pressure Becky," Ted begins, his voice tinged with eagerness, "but do you think she would be interested in taking over the store someday?"

Sally pauses for a moment, considering Ted's question. Sally leaned against the counter, her expression thoughtful as she shared her insights with Ted.

"I have my doubts, Ted," she began, her voice careful, "Over the years, Becky and I have had many discussions about her future aspirations."

Ted listened intently, his eyes fixed on Sally's face, eager to hear what she had to say.

"Ever since Becky was a little girl returning from a field trip to Stephenson's Farm, she's had this dream," Sally continued, a hint of pride resonating in her voice. "She's always aspired to be a vet, her passion for animals unwavering and her longing to safeguard their welfare deeply ingrained. It's been her lifelong ambition, etched in her heart for as far back as I can recall."

A faint smile appeared on Ted's lips, his heart too was swelling with pride for his daughter's determination. He remembered how Becky's eyes would light up whenever she spoke about dream, her face radiating with love and compassion.

Sally's voice grew softer as she recounted their conversation just before Becky left Sommerfield.

"Right before she took off for Minneapolis, we discussed her senior year plans," she recounted, her words tinged with admiration. "Becky remained steadfast in her pursuit of becoming a vet. Her goal was clear—to enroll in a top-notch veterinary program, acquire the best skills and education possible, all to maximize her ability to make a significant impact."

Ted nodded, a mix of emotions washing over him. He felt a profound sense of joy knowing that Becky had discovered her true calling and pursued it with unwavering determination. At the same time, a pang of sadness tugged at his heart, knowing that it might mean Becky's future lies far away from their small town.

As Ted contemplates Becky's future, a tide of uncertainty and unanswered questions floods his mind. Insecurity grips him, knitting his brow and leaving a hollow ache in his chest.

"Do you think Becky would even come back to Sommerfield after she graduates from university?" Ted asks, his voice laden with a mixture of hope and apprehension.

"She really seems to love California. She's told me about her adventures there, visiting those beautiful seaside destinations. She described the warm water and how she felt like she was in paradise, completely captivated by the beauty of it all. Becky seems to have a rich and fulfilling social life. She has the affection and support from a close-knit group of friends who genuinely love and support her. They've become like a second family to her. I get a sense that she could easily flourish and make a great life for herself over there. California seems to love Becky as much as she loves it."

Leaning closer, Sally asked Ted a question that stirred his thoughts.

"Have you talked to Becky about her feelings towards California?"

Ted took a moment to collect his thoughts, contemplating the depth of Sally's words.

"I haven't dared to broach those conversations with Becky. I suppose I've shied away, fearing what her response might confirm—afraid it might validate my anxieties. I'm truly apprehensive about the thought of losing Becky to California. I envision a future where our encounters dwindle to once a year, or perhaps even less."

Sally reached out, gently squeezing Ted's hand, offering him comfort and reassurance.

"Ted, it's crucial to have an open and honest dialogue with Becky. Share your concerns and fears, but also let her know how much you love and support her. Understanding her aspirations and dreams will help you find peace with whatever path she chooses."

Ted nods, acknowledging the wisdom in Sally's words. He feels a profound sense of gratitude for having Sally by his side, recognizing how fortunate he is to have her wise counsel.

Playfully, Sally takes away Ted's empty cup, giving him a friendly push in the direction of the waiting stock.

"Now go on and get back to work," she jests, a hint of affection in her voice. "The stock isn't going to shelve itself."

Ted chuckles, his heart filled with warmth. Leaning in quickly, he presses a gentle kiss on Sally's forehead, he returns back to his shelving task with a renewed surge of energy.