Chapter 22: Painting
Morning light bathed the streets of Marawi as Richard and Jack maneuvered their Yamaha DT bikes through the bustling city. The roads were alive with people going about their daily routines—vendors setting up stalls, shopkeepers sweeping storefronts, and men in traditional Muslim attire heading to morning prayers.
Jack led the way, weaving through the streets with ease, until they finally pulled up in front of a hardware store. The familiar scent of paint, wood, and metal filled the air as they parked their bikes.
A young man with burly arms, likely a worker, approached them with a polite nod.
"Good morning, sir. How can I help you?" he asked.
Jack rubbed his chin, scanning the shelves. "Do you have any light green-colored paint?"
The young man nodded. "Let me check, sir." He disappeared behind the counter and returned a moment later, holding up a 4L can of paint. "We have Rain or Shine Temptation Ros-518, sir."
Jack inspected the can, then gave a satisfied nod. "I'll take two. Also, give me two thinners, two roller brushes, and a couple of trays."
The worker quickly gathered the items, while Jack fished out ₱1500 from his wallet and handed it over.
Richard, already holding onto the paint cans, glanced at Jack. "Where to next?"
Jack stretched his arms and sighed. "Since it's still early, we'll come back later. Most of the printing shops won't be open yet—it's only 7 AM."
Richard nodded. "Makes sense. So, what's the plan in the meantime?"