The next morning, Arthur walked into Market & Co. and handed Bob a digital flash drive. “A small gift from my old friends down at federal compliance,” Arthur murmured. “They digitally enhanced the register’s side-view camera angle. It clearly shows Victoria’s fingers reaching around my shoulder and tapping my screen while I was clearing the spilled eggs.”
Bob stared at the screen, his face burning with deep shame. “Arthur… I don’t even know what to say. I am so deeply sorry. I should’ve checked. What can I do for you?”
Arthur simply smiled, took the spare green vests kept for employees, and clipped his old nametag to his chest. He winked at Emily, who was cheering from the bakery counter, and walked toward register four. He was finally back where he wanted to be, feeling alive, useful, and completely at peace.