a giant arrives

Harriet and Ben held hands as they hung the closed sign in front of their store, H&B Tools, one final time. They were aware that the ultra big box store was on the way—planned to open a few blocks away. But for the past couple of years, they pushed those concerns off for another day. 

The big box opened three months ago, and foot traffic at H&B plummeted.

The duo owned the hardware store since 1974. Harriet had amassed her knack for tools from her mother—who embedded a sense of assured grit in Harriet by urging her to do, practice, do again, and perfect. Ben, however, had rarely picked up a tool—and evolved his skills to serve as the shop’s accountant and business manager. 

Did they have quibbles? Sure. And did they have a long-to-do list of ways to improve the business? New lighting… upgraded registers… of course. Sometimes, Harriet even secretly lamented the store, as it always found a way to overtake their lives—and life had passed without children of their own. 

Together, they said goodbye to the years of sweat-equity they put into making one of the most successful independent hardware stores in the tri-county area. They knew that thousands of projects had spawned from their inventory, and that their shop served as a fabric to the always changing community. 

“Now what?” Harriet asked.

Ben smiled, “You know, all these years we’ve helped people dream and create the home they always wanted. Maybe it’s our turn now.”

Harriet pondered for a moment, connecting with Ben’s train of thought. And after a subtle nod of affirmation, they got in the car and made their way home to plan their own reimagining.

-m

March 14, 2021

Photo Credit: Nina Hill