I'm full today with a handful of people, but not many customers. The families that work here seem to be getting more comfortable in their work. Today Charlie went into the hobby shop to do her writing on Leo's workbench. Leo had his gas helicopter in repairs on the classroom table, where their daughter, Chris, has two school projects spread out. Their friend, Nan, is here today with her son Kosai. Nan is the only one helping customers. Kosai also has homework he is doing at the counter.

School buildings have told me how much paper passes through their doors in a year, but until I saw these two kids working, I thought they were exaggerating.

In the very middle of my loading zone, in the three story opening of this warehouse, Charlie built the sales counter. It is a large U shape, where customers can stand at either outer arm. One arm ends in a large round shape where people regularly gather at stools and chat.

I've heard the old sugar plantation homes talk about how people gathered at a table and talked story. But I never thought I, a warehouse, would get to see it happening.