Chapter 27

“You got new wheels?” Samuel walked toward the general store after he parked the car on the street right by the store, and the owner greeted him with a smile and those words. “It’s almost summer so it’ll be hot.” The owner automatically took out a pack of cigarettes that he usually smoked. However, the A6 did not quite match Samuel’s entire appearance. “Do you want to switch your smoke brand?” the owner asked. “No need,” Samuel replied. “I’ll save money for petrol.” The owner shook his head, wearing a rueful smile. “You won’t save money for petrol by smoking.” “A penny saved is a penny earned. I’d be labeled a failure otherwise.” Samuel opened the pack and offered the owner a cigarette. The owner extended a hand at the same time, a lighter in his grip. The duo’s actions complemented each other seamlessly, as though there was an invisible thread of understanding between them. This understanding had been carved through time. It had been three years, after all. The owner huffed, releasing