Mosey General (2004)

THERE IS A STORE in Thurber, Maine, by the name of Mosey General.  It is on the corner of Crane and Gilman, across the street from a barbershop and post office.  The store occupies the lower floor of an old two-story building.  From the street, you can see an old man behind a counter, happily greeting early morning customers.  Like most days, I headed out to work in the darkness before dawn.  The sun had not made its first appearance and the snow was falling unopposed on the world.  It was mid-January and quite cold.  Fortunately (although it happened quite often), when I entered Mosey General that morning, there was already a hot cup of coffee waiting for me. 

“Two creams, no sugar, good morning!” said Mr. Mosey.  He had greeted me the same way for the last three years and I could never help but smile.  I put my briefcase down by the counter, offered my thanks, and took a sip.  Mr. Mosey asked me how I was doing this morning and I responded while looking around the room.