Snappy Apparel by tarusenshi26 |  |
I'm sure that it has its uses but... Shopping is always a delight.
Starfire and Firestar followed me through the stores. They would press their
little noses to the glass display cases, giggling as fog animals appeared from
their moist breath. If we went to look at the expensive toys, not a sound was
heard. Except, naturally, pleas of every pet that promised to be good, would
sell their old toys, et-cetera.
As we looked at the keyrings and boom boxes, somehow we made our way to the
back, filled with magical plushies and rare Cards for a valuable NeoDeck. The
caution taken there was extreme; my pets barely dared to take a breath, knowing
the debt we would suffer if an accident were to take place. It was impossibly
hard to get my pets out of the store.
I was walking past a recently opened shop of a newbie owner. To my surprise,
it was my friend, Kit. Trying to look as formal as possible, she uttered a nervous,
"G-good morning, 'Taru... erm... Ms. Kami-Tomoe. Would you care to look in my
shop?"
I smiled and replied, "Of course Kit. No formality required." Kit knelt down
to the frenzy of my pets circling her. I saw her greet my Gelert with joy, then
look at my shy, young Poogle.
"Who might this be?" I heard Kit say in the background. I stepped into the
shop, and held my breath. The prices were fair, even reduced, but the merchandise
was the shocker.
Starfire said eagerly, "This is Firestar Kami. She's my new sister. Mommy
went to buy a Poogle, and she found one just born at the shop. See, see, her
name is mine, but all switched up!" My best friend laughed, and inquired, "Switched
up? Do you mean that she has your name, but the two components were reversed?"
Kit walked in, the bell tinkling merrily.
It was Firestar that first spoke. "Oooooooh. Look at the pretty clothes. Hats,
and scarves, and mittens, and pants, and jeans, and-" she was saying.
Kit interrupted, "It took me a long time to save for this. I emptied my account
more than once. So these clothes should be the best you can buy!"
Indeed, the
variety was endless. I saw scarves and hats, dresses and suits, every
item available. Her shop was at least size 26. I was wondering, through all
of my amazement, who would buy this??? These clothes, worth 2,000 NP at lowest,
were out of my budget's petite limits. The extravagance, the care, and the amount
astounded me. I had no use for these clothes, but turning to look at Kit's anxious
face (and my pets' angelic ones) confirmed my choice.
I decided to buy her Scorchio Scarf. It was beautiful, with flames eating
up the bottom of the sides. I took a breath and announced boldly, "I love that
scarf, Kit. I would like to buy it for the fair price you offered of," I cleared
my throat, "Of 2,560 Neopoints. I love it too much. Consider it sold." I inserted
my hand into my pocket, feeling with dread my paycheque. It was only 1,834 Neopoints,
so I felt for my change.
Kit ran to the counter and rang me up. She began speaking, but it wasn't the
thank you I had expected. In fact, Kit stated my thoughts quite clearly.
"Oh, this is a good sign. I knew when I bought them that my prices were too
high, and if you buy this scarf, surely someone will buy the other clothes!
When I started my shop, I kept thinking to myself that no one wanted special
clothes except Faeries. My shop was going to be a total waste. Everyone knows
you are a tightwad--" I turned and scowled, pretending to examine a dress, "--so
if you buy something from my shop, it has to be good."
I turned back and smiled, saying, "What are friends for?" I paid and took
the bag from a grateful Kit, and gave it to a more grateful Starfire and Firestar.
On our way out, Starfire said quietly, but not quiet enough, "So I guess we
get free Omlette today?" I walked down the path with Starfire trailing behind.
With Firestar in my arms, I walked through the door. Suddenly, my Poogle leaped
down, ran to Kit, and said, "I think you should lower your prices! Mommy gave
you more than her whole paych..."
I grabbed Firestar apologetically and ran out. Tears were streaming down Kit's
face as she realised the sacrifice I made for her.
***
I saw Kit yesterday. She has a money making guild, courtesy to the profits
of her sales. That apparel of hers, though, was out of my league. While I may
still struggle financially, I will forever remain in my guild. I can be free
in the Uni Meadows. We help each other get through. It's family. When Kit saw
me, wearing overalls and a shirt of the Blue Kacheek Group, she said nothing.
I glanced at my neck and saw my scarf. My Scorchio Scarf, with flames eating
up the bottom of the sides. |