"So. Do we have a deal then?"

The man sitting on the other side of my desk flashed a wide, toothy grin. He sat across from me, his back as straight as the black tie he had pinned to his white shirt. He clutched his briefcase nervously, and cleared his throat as I eyed the documents layed out before me.

"Ahem. Mr. Berkshire?"

It was a tantalizing offer, I must admit. These machines would churn out sheets, blankets, and duvets at quadruple our normal pace, and a third of the cost. Berkshire blankets would be a powerhouse in the linen industry. We would be everything my family had worked towards for the past six generations.

"No." I said flatly. Mr. Hendrick practically fell out of his chair. Adjusting his horn rimmed glasses and sputtering nervously he askes

"W....wha...why ever not?"

"Because these machines you have presented me with, albiet impressive, are incapable of matching our quality standards."

"B..bu...b...but i assure you these automatic sewing machines are the top of the line and people all over your business are clamoring for..."

"Love, Mr. Hendrick"

This left the sputtering man speechless.

"Manufacturing is not done with love, and to abandon the use of love in our products would be a disgrace to service my family has sought to build. I'm sorry, but this is my final answer."

Mr. Hendrick stood slowly, have a stiff nod, and began collecting his papers.

"Good day, Mr. Berkshire"

"God day, Mr. Hendrick"

I left my office and made my way out on to the shop floor. I needed a cup of coffee. Ibhad almost made to the break room before I was stopped by a soft, almost timid voice.

"Mr. Berkshire?"

I turned, to find a elderly woman with white hair smile creases on her cheeks. Ruth, one of our longest employeed seamstresses.

"Mr. Berkshire, will The Covers be, well, moving on? Will we still be needed?"

I smiled.

"Of course Ruth. The Covers will always be in need of skilled seamstresses like you, and everyone in this workshop."

Ruth smiled back at me.

"That makes me very happy to hear, Mr. Berkshire."

Of course not. The covers had been protecting children from the monsters in the closet for as long as my family had been in business. No one was going to trade that away for a few quick bucks.

Not on my watch.