When my parents had first broached the topic, I had balked at the idea. Weren't they afraid of leaving everything and everyone behind? How would things change? But my parents were determined that it was the right thing to do. Though they were just as nervous as I, they taught me how to be brave. I shouldn't be afraid of taking my future into my own hands, they said. Even if that meant stepping into the unknown, and leaving behind the things that were familiar to you, good would always come out from it. Not everything needed to change, either, and though we were in Canada my parents never forgot about the cultural core of their business.

My parents encouraged me to carve out my own path, to move onward while continuing to keep the tradition alive in my own way, and in the ways that mattered. Isn't that what they wanted for me? Isn't that what I want too? Katya was right. My parents have passed on the business to me because they trusted that I would, in my own way carry on the family's legacy. Change didn't mean abandoning everything my family had worked up for. It meant adjusting to the future, and ultimately making it better. And like Eddie said, it's my business. My parents taught me everything they could. Now it's my turn to run the shop using their knowledge as well as my own.

I finish wiping the tables and scan the shop. Misty and Connor are restocking coffee bean jars and washing the last dishes. My friends are getting ready to leave. Katya catches my eye and smiles. "The coffee was excellent, Will."

Her unspoken words reach me. I smile, and she smiles back.

Basim grins and swings his car keys around his finger. "Ready to go? I can't wait to beat you guys at Monopoly."

Anthony and I exchange a look of dread. "We need to team up," I tell him.

Eddie mutters, "And that worked out great for us last time." He elbows me in the ribs. "Teach me the secret for brewing your new blend, and we'll call it a deal."

"I heard that!" Basim prepares to head out, propping open the door for Connor and Misty, who wave me good-bye. "Come on. We can't have our Will missing his bedtime."

"I'll stay awake this time!" I insist. "Promise."

He shrugs and heads out, the others following suit. I shut off the lights and lock the door. Taking a moment to gaze at the empty shop, I can already see it merge with my vision for its future. I imagine the things I can do, the possibilities that lie ahead. A small rush of elation fills me.

"Ay Will, any moment longer and we're leaving without you! Three, two—"

"I'm coming!" I make a dash to the car where my friends are waiting for me. I hop in, and we drive into the night.

The End.

Opening a coffee shop would be pleasant. I'd love to wake up to the smell of coffee and sweets each day. Thank you for reading.