Normal Shoes

"Fantastical fantasy. I want a book that really reaches out and grabs you.” I heard a man clear his throat from behind Kyle. It was the owner of the store, Mr. Jenkins. He was in his mid fifties with white hair outlining the top of his tanned bald head. He stroked his beard for a minute as he smiled at me. He looked like he was examining a scientific experiment instead of me. He brushed off his brown vest and white shirt as if he had been in the dirtiest, dustiest place in the world.

“I have just the thing for you, my dear. How are you Selenie Belle? Is your father well?” He asked from the dim storage room.

“I’m just fine sir, and you sir, how are you this fine night?” I asked, deliberately avoiding the father question

“Marvelous, simply marvelous.” He said finally finding the book he was looking for. He blew a cloud of dust of it, and smiled as he looked at the white leather cover.

“I never leave this book on the shelf, it’s dangerous for an untrained reader. These pages are perfect for you though.”

“How much sir?”

“You can’t put a price on this work of art, but since you ask, dear twenty dollars might do nicely.” He smiled and Kyle chuckled at the old man’s words. Julia handed Kyle the money and he took it gingerly from her. I took the book from Mr. Jenkins and shook my hand.

“Thank you sir.”

“Good luck, child.” Good luck? I didn’t have time to question him because Julia grabbed me and pulled me to the door.