Leif sighed. Another slow day.
Business, lately, had not been as booming as the sloth would have preferred. Chatting with curious customers, enthusiastically offering advice and helpful tips on how to care for their plants, making that final sale. It all excited him terribly. He really did love his job, but ever since that new mayor arrived...
Leif's legs grew sore from standing, so he fetched a wooden stool from the supply closet and sat down. His eyes remained glued to the entrance of the store, hoping for somebody, anybody, to walk in.
It was all because of that fancy ordinance the mayor had enacted. Leif was initially thrilled at the promise of a beautiful town, thriving with healthy greenery, but it ultimately proved quite deadly for his business plans. The villagers no longer needed to purchase seeds from him, as the flowers in the town bred and blossomed at an almost unnatural rate. His weeding services were completely unnecessary now, as well, since the ordinance also ensured that any unwanted plant life was kept well under control.
Nowadays, he considered himself lucky if he sold a flower pot, or even a simple watering can.
Leif didn't blame the mayor, of course. The mayor was a lovely person with the best of intentions, and Leif felt a very strong fondness toward them and their mutual love of plants. He merely wished for his shop to regain its old hustle and bustle.
The sharp ting! of a bell tore Leif away from his thoughts, and he sprung up from his seat to greet the customer. He paused, however, once he noticed who it was.
"Hello, Leif. A beautiful day, hm?"
Leif fidgeted in place at the sight of his boss, flustered.
"H-hello, Mister Nook! How wonderful it is for you to pay me a visit!"
Tom offered him a friendly smile and closed the door behind him.
"Yes, yes, of course. Actually, I am here on a more...business related matter, you see."
Leif swallowed nervously, inwardly scrambling to figure out what Tom could have possibly meant by that. He knew his boss to be a very kind and reasonable fellow, but his mere authority alone was enough to give him some anxiety.
Tom seemed to pick up on this.
"Ha, no need to act nervous! I have just come to make a purchase, that's all. Perhaps some nice flowers to brighten up the home? My nephews, they complain that the place is too drab."
Leif relaxed instantly, excitement bubbling within his tummy. Finally! He led Tom throughout the small store, who eventually settled on a small arrangement of sunflowers.
"An excellent choice, Mister Nook! Are you... gonna buy them?"
Tom picked up the flowers and turned the pot around in his hands, inspecting them. He made a low, inquisitive sound, and placed them back on the display table. He turned to Leif and smiled again.
"Yes, it seems that these will do just fine. Thank you very much for your assistance, Leif."
Tom dug the required amount of bells out from his purse and handed them to Leif. He picked up the sunflowers and headed for the door. Leif happily waddled after him.
"Y-you're welcome, Mister Nook! Have a happy day!"
Tom turned to Leif, nodded, and made his exit. Leif beamed, closing his claws tightly around the handful of bells. He puttered over to the register and put them inside.
A very happy day, indeed.