Garbed in his usual white apron, he was chatting with what seemed to be a husband and wife. From what she could glean, it appeared that a new diner was set to open.
“I’m not afraid of competition,” the owner told them. “I’m not afraid of competition,” he repeated smoothly, the epitome of understated confidence. “That’s the one thing that’s never bothered me: competition. Let him open! Why not?” The husband and wife both nodded their agreement, the wife then adding an imperceptible comment that made both men laugh. He wasn’t afraid of competition and now he was closed for good. Just like that.
This story won honorable mention in our annual Short Story Contest last fall.