Sonny shuffled down Maple Street, the comforting humdrum of the morning infusing his spirit with its infectious liveliness. The charming store facades were blinking awake, slowly awash with the golden hues of the breaking dawn. As he neared the corner of the street, a quaint, old store situated cozily, caught his attention.
It was Mrs. Higgins' Emporium, a nostalgic place with its rustic charm often stealing inviting glances from passers-by. The wooden paneling carried a patina only time and weather could endow, while the mellow aroma of aged timber effortlessly transported everyone to yesteryears.
On this bright morning, he noticed the frail figure of Mr. Higgins, the elderly shopkeeper. He had become a cornerstone of life on Maple Street over the years. Yet, Sonny realized something was amiss, seeing Mr. Higgins struggling to hang the signboard above the entrance. The sign, a weathered antique, read 'Higgins' Emporium' in endearing, faded letters.
Without any second thoughts, Sonny detoured and quickened his pace towards the store. His sunny personality resonated in the warm smile that was now parting his lips. "Good morning, Mr. Higgins! Can I give you a hand with that?" he offered, pointing to the hanging sign.
The old man turned around, his lined face breaking into a relief-filled smile. The wrinkles at the corners of his eyes crinkled like an old, much-loved parchment as he saw Sonny coming towards him. "Ah, Sonny, bless your soul. Yes, I could do with an extra pair of able hands," he said, his voice mellow and thick with gratitude.
Sonny took hold of the sign from Mr. Higgins, mustering his strength against its unexpected weight. He skillfully hung it up, adjusting it until it was perfectly level. As he stepped back to admire his handiwork, there was a gleam of accomplishment in his eyes.
"You're an angel, Sonny. Thank you," Mr. Higgins' words floated in the crisp morning air, wrapping Sonny in the familiar warmth of gratitude and love only Maple Street could offer.
“Glad I could be of service Mr Higgins!” Sonny waved as he continued his walk further.
Sonny's steps echoed faintly as he entered the bustling supermarket, automatic doors parting with a familiar whirr. He was effortlessly casual, drifting through the aisles, selecting his staples with practised ease. The familiar view of pyramids of produce, symmetrical shelves of cereals, and brightly colored snacks flooded his mind with a soothing rhythm of daily life.
Suddenly, his eyes wandered to a sight that caught his breath for a second. He saw her across the fruit aisle; a woman with rich, Brown-skin framed by cascades of golden hair that glowed against the overhead fluorescent lights. Her eyes met his for just an instant; bright, alert eyes that widened in surprise before taking on an unknown fear.
She gasped and, as if he was an aberration to her serene day, hastily stepped back, knocking an apple from the stand in her haste. Seemingly terrified, she turned on her heel and sprinted away, her golden curls trailing behind. Sonny watched, taken aback and perplexed by the woman's bizarre reaction.
She was all but a fleeting blur when a shining object caught his eye. Tracing her erratic trail, he found an ID card lying by the overturned basket. He picked it up, his eyes darting over the plastic-encased information. 'Olivia', it read, ‘Northern Cinnabar City Art Museum'.
Sonny felt a tug towards her. Perhaps it was the sense of responsibility, or an inquisitive streak in him that wished to know the reason behind Olivia's fear, but he knew then he had to return her ID. The only obstacle, however, was he had never been to any art museum in this part of the city, let alone know where it was located.
With a new purpose now, Sonny set his groceries aside, pulling out his enchanted glass to find the museum's whereabouts. It was a hunt of sorts, he thought, his breath hitching with an unexpected thrill. This was different from his daily grind, an infusion of excitement that might lead him to brush past a mystery, or better, a chance to reassure a scared stranger.
YOU ARE READING
Third Wish: volume Two
Fantasyit's been a few weeks and The Third Wish guild continues their steady improvement but they have a lot of unfinished business. the bishop elections are currently going on, whoever ends up elected will change the fate of Cinnabar City forever. secrets...
