Just a thought in Time: contest book

Magic Prompt: Potions Shop

Potions, INC 

I stared at the little wooden sign hanging in the window every year for just one day. Typically, we in the village ignored it, but I can't keep doing it anymore despite my parents' pleas. My curiosity is getting the best of me. I took a deep breath, drawing in all the courage I could muster as I pushed open the door. What looked like a dusty, dark, empty building came to life before my eyes.

Lamps decorated tabletops, and candles filled nooks and crannies. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, but dark and mysterious as well. Everything in me was in an instant conflict. My brain was telling me to turn around and leave, to run and never look back, to continue ignoring the shop when it pops up each year. However, my gut told me to stay, sit, touch, taste, and smell everything I could before the place disappeared.

"Wow," I whispered as I turned in a circle. Thousands of bottles in different shapes and sizes glittered against the walls. Some had bright and clear liquids in them; others were dark and sent a chill up my spine when I stared too hard. I grazed my fingertips along the counter as I walked past into the back of the store.

In the back, books littered the shelves; upon closer inspection, most looked like they were empty and begging to be filled, others had no writing on the spine, but just by looking at them, I could see that they were important for those who needed them. I slowly turned around, seeing a table with two chairs and an ornate cloth draped elegantly over it, a deck of cards. That had been spread out, all face down. I had heard of cards like this, Tarot, curiosity called me again. I pulled three cards from it; The Magician, The Empress, and The Star. They were beautifully drawn, and I felt like they were right for me, but I had no idea what they meant; I set them down gently and continued to explore the building.

A small room was off to the side of the table with the cards; I walked in. There were empty vials and bottles. Ingredients hung from the ceiling; boxes sat neatly on shelves with labels, liquids set up next to them. A pot sat on the little hot plate, its contents bubbling gently. "So cool." I giggled slightly; this place was better than I thought.

 I walked back into the first room, resting my hand on the counter, looking at the treats in the cases and the drinks I could order. Other people had come in and seated themselves at the small tables, chatting quietly to themselves. The place felt so warm and called to me; I felt in my soul that this was a good choice for me to walk in.

"I was wondering when you would finally walk in here. Welcome home." An older woman smiled from being the counter, holding the three cards I pulled.