Love is in the Air

Control

Writing Prompt: A curiosity shop opens up where you can rent superpowers, magical abilities, mystical artifacts, and mad science technology. The catch? Payments are made with abstract concepts. Life, memories, etc.

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It's this one. He thinks as he stares at the sign, Curiosity Shop. He swallows. I can do this. He tells himself as the building seems ominous. He looks both ways before he crosses the street. I need to hurry before he gets home. His hand lingers on the doorknob before he turns it.

"Welcome to Curiosity Shop." A voice says as he enters the shop.

He looks around to see it filled with glass containers and different items. Low lights illuminate the shop.

"Hello, are you here alone?" A blue hair young woman asks.

He nods.

"Where are your parents? You shouldn't be here alone at this hour. You shouldn't be here."

"I want the power to control minds."

"You're too young to be in here."

"I'm eight years old."

"Too young." She repeats.

"You require payment."

"Too mature in other ways." She states.

"I will pay."

"Do you understand that the payment can be taken years later?"

"Yes."

"It will be something that will be important to you."

"Yes." He states. "My mom is important."

She smiles sadly. "I understand."

"I want her to be happy. I want him away from us."

"Once you take the power, there is no going back. You will have a price to pay later in life. It could be your life, someone else's, a memory, or something else that is equally priceless."

"I understand."

"I could say that it is tragic that someone as young as you is so mature, but it is a matter of perspective. I hope you find peace."

"Are you giving me the power?"

"Are you sure about this? It's a high price to pay."

"Yes. Are you giving me the power?"

"Yes." She states. "All you have to say is, 'I will give my payment.' Once you walk out, you will feel the power."

"Thank you."

"There is no need. You shouldn't be thanking me."

He walks out of the shop. A breeze encircles him causing him to shiver. It passes quickly. The clock chimes letting him know that it's eight at night. He starts running toward home. He will be home soon. He has to make it home before he gets home. Wheezing he makes it home, he stops before the door of their house to take a breath and sneak back in. He walks out of his bedroom and finds his mother in the kitchen finishing dinner for him.

He goes to the living room to wait for him. He is not coming in tonight. He thinks. He sees his mother place the plate of food on the table. It's eight thirty. Any minute he should be here. He is never late even in his state.

He hears the jiggling of keys as he attempts to open the door. Eventually, he is able to place the key in the key hold.

I can do this. He tells himself. I can make him leave. I have to. He will no longer make her unhappy.