The Lethal Keepsake

Cursed? Really?

Minerva gently smiled at her, "I can pay you more than it is mentioned on the price tag granny. Please."

The old lady sighed with a helpless look. "No, you good girl. No harm to you. Mirror not good. Cursed!"

Minerva immersed herself in extensive research, not only as a professional commitment but also as a hobby. Despite her thorough exploration of the world's wonders, Minerva held steadfast disbelief in superstitions. To her, the answers lay in reason and evidence, and she approached her studies with a rational mindset that rejected the influence of unfounded beliefs.

"It's fine I can handle it. Don't worry granny. I love that mirror, please sell it to me", she said with pleading eyes.

Seeing that she was stubborn, the old lady decided to sell it. She bent down and took the mirror out from a locked compartment under the counter.

Minerva laughed, "You hid it after I took a liking to it?"

The old lady smiled lightly in response. She billed the mirror, covered it with kraft paper, and placed it inside a paper bag with the shop logo on it. She carefully handed the package to Minerva.

"Treat Carefully", she said with a mixture of caution and concern in her look.

Minerva shook her head understandingly and received the package from her.

"Thank you, Granny. Buona giornata.", she said with a bright smile making her cute dimples appear.

Minerva turned to leave but the old lady caught her wrist and pulled her back.

"Remember! Never lose it. Bad luck. Death in 3 days."

She shot her a warning look.

Minerva nodded, "I will take good care of it."

The old lady was still not satisfied. "Wait! Don't leave."

She released Minerva's wrist and gestured to wait, then bent down to unlock the lowest chamber under the counter. She took out a small wooden box with detailed carvings and placed it on the counter. Upon opening the box, she found a collection of several small items, each unrelated to one another.

The old lady rummaged through it and finally pulled out two things, one old leather pocketbook and a beautiful chain made of trinkets. She stuffed them into Minerva's hands.

"Take this, helpful"

Minerva took a look at them. The chain had a variety of trinkets, which looked to be from various parts of the world, and a charm vial with some sand at the center of it. The book was pretty old but sturdy. The leather cover had some designs carved on it. She gave her a puzzled look.

"Wear this all time. Mirror lost, read book. Be careful", she said with worry-filled eyes.

Observing her concern, Minerva accepted the items and took out some money from her purse to pay for the book and trinket chain.

"How much for this Granny?"

The old lady gently pushed the cash back to her softly tapping on her hands, "On the house. Good girl. Take care. Don't lose the mirror."

She bid farewell, turned around, and walked towards the door, playing with the suspended wind chimes on her way. The old lady watched her disappearing figure with worry-filled eyes. She joined her hands and prayed for Minerva's well-being.

Overjoyed with her new mirror, Minerva treated herself to a cold coffee. The bustling streets were alive with people.

"Still no messages", she thought to herself, gazing at her mobile phone with a touch of disappointment.