"Raul!".
Mister Ripper called out abrasively, already getting agitated with my silence.
"I didn't tell you because I forgot". I answered, lowering my head and acting as though I felt bad for my actions.
Which truly, I did.
"I had a lot of things on my mind yesterday and was too preoccupied. Before I knew it, the time had gone by and I only had the thought of getting home on my mind".
Slightly, I tilted my head and sneakily glanced my left eye in his direction.
"If you noticed, you would remember how I stormed out yesterday without a proper goodbye said to you like I always did".
That wasn't a lie. I really did storm out with an alarming demeanour yesterday.
And that alone was more than enough to serve as my alibi and have Mister Ripper believe my excuse.
He looked at me who still had his head tilted downward. I believe he was contemplating my story and trying to feature it in his mind to see if it made sense.
Of course, I know it will because it wasn't a lie.
I did have a lot of things I was thinking about, and my mind was preoccupied.
The only thing I left out is what my mind was preoccupied with. I don't believe I have a reason or an entitlement to reveal that to me.
It's way too personal of a stuff to let out just like that.
"Fine".
He heaved out before wording.
"You can have it". He says, reaching the brown envelope toward me.
"No mister Ripper, you can keep it".
I had to put up resistance and show him that I truly had no interest in hoarding the money.
Surely the money will be handed to me whether I like it or not.
Why?...
It's simple. I am the one mending the affairs of the store during dawn, daytime and evening when we usually have the most customers.
It is also the time when the same customer had visited the convenience store.
With all those facts piled up, does it not make more sense that I should be the one to hold onto the money?
It is a fact, but I cannot show that I know of that fact.
As my boss, I have to let Mister Ripper be the one to propose that fact to me. It's the only way he will believe that I have no greed toward the cash, and also to have him continue to trust me while I get to keep and work at my job as I always have.
Besides, I am only fourteen. Showing to not know about this fact is the way to keep my image as a fourteen-year-old.
"No, I can't keep it".
Nailed it!
"That woman might come back when I am not around so you take it and put it somewhere we can both access in case she comes when you are not around".
As expected of my boss. He is one of the smartest minds I know.
Though I don't know that much. As a fourteen-year-old, I believe my definition of smart can be very shallow compared to the adults with vast years of experience to tender.
"Okay Mister Ripper, I will do as you say".
I responded, reaching out my hand to collect the brown envelope from him.
Once I had collected it, Mister Ripper took off his work jacket and made his way to the door.
About to pass through, I stopped him as I yelled out his name; "Mister Ripper!".
He stopped and took his precious time to turn toward me as he questioned; "What is it". Back to his friendly tone, it seems.
"Yes, I was hoping I could have the whole day off tomorrow".
As much as it pains me, I need to have this day off to myself. I need to figure things out not just by reading the book alone, but also by asking those who might have an idea of what I am faced with.
"Sure. I will get someone to replace you for the day, or better still close up. For how long will you be taking the break".
'Wow!'.
I was at least expecting him to ask me why I wanted to take a day off. Agreeing with no questions asked is a scenario I did not account for.
Startled, I replied to him; "Just a day is enough". I answered.
"A day it is then".
He said, making his way toward me.
He got to me and relaxed his broad right palm on my left shoulder.
"I know you are a good boy Raul. You have demonstrated that to me with the little amount of time I have spent knowing you".
He says, taking on a father-figure tone.
"I trust that whatever reason you want the day off for is a good reason, not one that will bring about ill omen".
Come on mister Ripper, make up your mind. Which is it? Do you trust me or not?
"I know for a fact that it is not that time of the year when you take the usual day off, and not once except for those moments have you ever asked for a day off".
He became silent for a short while, staring into my eyes before he continued.
"Regardless, I will not ask for the details of what you need the day off for, because I trust you".
Not like I was going to say that to his face.
I understand that the reason for his newfound suspicion is because of the envelope money and how it coincidence with me asking for a day off.
It looks and feels too shady to simply pass it all off as what it is, a coincidence.
Still, I am glad that through it all, he is still willing to place his trust in me.
"Thank you, mister Ripper, and I promise I won't ever do anything that will disappoint the trust you have in me".
With a smile on his overly manly face, he took off his arm on my shoulder and made his way out of the store.
"Phew! That settles one problem".
I was delighted to have achieved my primary objective for the day asking for a day off from Mister Ripper.
I didn't think he would agree after the money problem, but it is a blessing that he did nonetheless.
One of the benefits of building up years of trust, I guess.