The steady rhythm of the broom against the wooden floor echoed through the shop as Theo swept for what felt like the hundredth time that evening. He paused, leaning on the broom handle, glancing around at the shelves and tables stacked high with curiosities: trinkets, old books, dusty boxes, and a collection of peculiar glass jars that seemed oddly misplaced in the otherwise humble surroundings of “9th Street Curios and Sundry.”

  Today is a perfect day for someone new to come to his little shop, Theo thought with a small, contented smile. The sign was faded now, its once-cheerful yellow paint chipped by years of weather and time. People rarely noticed the place, except on days when a strange aura seemed to hang in the air, like a forgotten dream.

  He had never paid much attention to it, the oddness of it all. The quietness. The way the lights flickered when the shop was particularly still, the way the soft sound of his sweeping can fill the otherwise complete silence. It was a gentle sort of oddness, a quiet hum beneath the surface like a new story was about to begin.

  Slow times are just part of running a shop, Theo. Surely, I’ll have a new customer today.

  The scent of old books and strange incense - though Theo couldn’t remember lighting any incense - filled the air, and he adjusted his vest with a sigh. His hands were still damp with the faint remnants of the rag he had been using to wipe down the counter. He made his way to the back of the store and fiddled with the handle of an old brass kettle, running his fingers over the cool metal. It had been left there by a customer years ago. it was old and discolored and had a dent or two here and there - but Theo couldn’t bring himself to toss it out. It looked right to Theo, but more importantly, it felt right. There was a certain quiet calm to it that he appreciated.

  He filled the kettle and set it down on the burner just as he heard the gentle tinkling of the bell atop the shop’s old front door.

  A new customer?

  Theo immediately wiped his hands off on his apron, preparing to greet them with his usual enthusiasm, but as he stepped around the corner to the front of the shop, he paused.

  A woman, soaked to the bone, was standing in the doorway. Her coat, torn in several places, barely clung to her frame, and her dark hair hung in wet clumps around her face. The door jingled behind her, as if it had closed on its own, but Theo didn’t notice. His mind was focused on the expression in her eyes.

  She looked like someone who had just escaped from something. The kind of person you’d expect to see in a movie - frantic, desperate, like she was on the run.

  It is a new customer! And a pretty one at that. Time to turn on the charm and make some sales!

  Theo smiled, eager to help. “Oh! Welcome! Can I...”

  Her eyes flicked toward him, wide and fearful as she interrupted, “I... I need to hide.”

  Theo blinked, confused. “Hide?” he repeated. “From what?”

  Oh no! This doesn’t sound good. I hope she doesn’t bring any trouble.

  But she was already inside, glancing nervously over her shoulder, like she expected someone to come through the door at any moment. She pulled her hood up higher, her movements quick and jerky. “Please. Just for a moment.”

  Theo stepped back instinctively, unsure of what was happening. “Of course, of course. You’re welcome to stay for as long as you need. It’s very quiet in here, so you’ll be safe. This is just a little - uh, curio shop. Nothing too strange, I promise.”

  She didn't respond immediately. Instead, she moved deeper into the shop, eyes darting toward the shelves. Theo watched her closely, his brow furrowing as he noticed her wince almost imperceptibly. Is she hurt?

  She glanced up at him suddenly, her expression sharp, and he caught a flash of something - something old and knowing in her eyes. “I’m not here by accident. I’m a customer, but I need a moment to catch my breath.”

  It was a lie, of course, the truth was that she was a Jaeger, a huntress for the clandestine organization that referred to itself as the Celestial Hierarchy, tasked with eliminating the physical manifestations of evil known as demons. She was being chased by someone, or something, attacking her from the shadows. She isn’t sure who is after her - it could be a past foe looking for revenge, but it is probably someone, or some group, from the Order of the Thirteenth Veil capitalizing on the fact that she is alone and injured.

  Theo tried to keep his composure, forcing a grin. “Well, you are welcome here, of course. People often come in when they’re looking for something, sometimes they‘re looking for an answer, sometimes a question but... I don’t know. You might be the first customer tonight. You’re the first one in hours, at least.”

  The woman’s expression softened, just for a moment. But the moment passed, and she scanned the shop again, her eyes flickering to the various objects on the shelves. Her gaze lingered on a few things - an old-fashioned compass, a strange-looking amulet, and a small cracked mirror with an overly elaborate frame - but she didn’t say anything.

  “Why is it so quiet?” she asked finally, almost to herself. “It feels like... it feels like I’m the only one here. Like no one else is allowed somehow. I like it” She permitted herself a deep breath, just a moment to relax, and when she did the pain erupted in her side. But she showed no reaction. She can’t involve civilians in her problems. It was wrong to even come in here.

  Theo shrugged, chuckling lightly. “It’s always like this. Quiet. It’s just a small shop, but people find their way here. You’d be surprised how many things I’ve sold that people didn’t even know they needed.”

  The truth is, this is just a horrible location for an antique shop.

  She didn’t seem comforted by this, but when she glanced over her shoulder again, Theo noticed something shift in her posture - just a tiny movement, barely noticeable, like the air itself had thickened. But Theo thought he recognized the smell of... blood?

  He shook his head. Maybe I’m just imagining it.

  Suddenly, the lights flickered, and something made a noise behind him. It was faint, like a whisper, but it came from the direction of the back room, where the old brass kettle still sat heating on the burner.

  He looked at the woman, who had noticed it too. She tensed, her eyes narrowing, as if listening for something. Theo’s heart beat a little faster.

  Stolen novel; please report.

  “What’s... what’s in there?” she asked.

  Theo blinked. “Just a kettle... some old things. It’s a bit of a mess back there, actually. But nothing dangerous, I don’t think.” He offered her an awkward smile, trying to downplay the moment. Just then the kettle erupted into a whistle.

  Ah, the kettle! Of course! I’ll make something to drink - that’s what a true professional would do in a situation like this!

  He cleared his throat, trying to keep things light, though he couldn't help but notice the sudden stillness that seemed to fill the air. "Well, first things first, how about something to drink? I’ve got hot cider with cinnamon and clove if you need something refreshing, or I can offer you some spiced honey ginger tea if you prefer something a little less sweet.”

  The woman hesitated, eyes flicking between Theo and the room as if weighing her options. She looked exhausted, as though every muscle in her body had been in constant motion for days, maybe longer. It took her a moment before she spoke.

  “Tea sounds nice,” she said, her voice quieter now, the edge of panic receding just a little.

  Theo smiled warmly and motioned to the back of the shop, where the smell of fresh cookies still lingered. “Please, sit and rest. I’ve got some almond cookies that just came out of the oven. They’re nothing fancy, but they’ll help.”

  She gave a faint nod and followed him to the small corner table, her eyes still scanning the space. As she settled into the chair, Theo busied himself in the back, quickly preparing a pot of tea.

  He returned a few moments later with two steaming mugs and a plate of cookies which he placed on the table in front of her. The light from the shop’s flickering lamps illuminated the steam rising in the air like the start of some forgotten ritual. Raine hesitated for a moment, the tea mug sitting there between them like a small bridge in the quiet, uncomfortable space.

  “I hope you like ginger,” Theo said, sitting down across from her. “I find it helps clear the mind. It’s been a long night, I’m guessing.”

  The woman didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she slowly reached out, lifting the mug with both hands and inhaling the warm scent. Her eyes closed briefly as she took the first sip. A long, drawn-out exhale followed.

  “Yeah,” she murmured, “it’s been a long night.”

  The woman, who had been standing in the far corner, suddenly moved, her hand instinctively reaching for a small pendant around her neck. It looked ancient, etched with symbols Theo didn’t recognize.

  She likes charms, I can work with that!

  Her eyes locked onto Theo’s with a knowing look. “This place really is just what it seems, isn’t it” she said, her voice soft but firm. “I’m not sure what I expected, but it really is just a shop full of dusty trinkets.”

  “Of course,” replied Theo, “What else would it be?”

  My store isn’t dusty! Is my store dusty?

  Theo stood up and his hand hovered over the display of small, polished stones in the corner of the shop. Each was neatly labeled with their supposed properties: courage, clarity, protection. He glanced back at Raine, who sat at the small table cradling her tea, her eyes distant and unfocused.

  Maybe one of these? No, it doesn’t seem quite right.

  She’d barely spoken since taking her seat, but her tension was palpable. Theo had seen that kind of look before - frayed nerves, a readiness to bolt.

  He wanted to help. That’s what he did, after all. People came into 9th Street Curios and Sundry looking for solutions they didn’t know existed, and Theo prided himself on finding the perfect thing for every customer.

  This was no different. He could help her. He just had to figure out how.

  As he studied her from across the room, a theory began to form in his mind. She was running - she’d said as much. And she was scared, clutching her tea like it was the only thing grounding her.

  Is she in danger? An abusive husband, maybe?... an angry lover?

  Maybe she was in a bad relationship. Someone controlling, maybe even violent. Theo’s chest tightened at the thought.

  “I don’t mean to pry,” he began, his voice gentle, “but... if you’re in a situation that is making you feel unsafe, there are things that can help.”

  She took another sip of tea, her eyes flitting briefly to the shelves before settling on Theo. She seemed hesitant, like she was weighing how much to share. “It’s been hard,” she said at last, her voice barely above a whisper. “Being... out here. Trying to find a place where I can just relax.” What was she saying?! She almost opened up to this man, a total stranger. There’s no way he can know about her. It would be too dangerous.

  Theo nodded slowly, his heart going out to her. “I can’t imagine what you’ve been through,” he said gently. “But you don’t have to explain anything if you’re not ready. Sometimes just getting out of a bad situation is the bravest thing you can do.”

  Her brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t correct him. Instead, she took another sip of tea, letting the warmth settle over her.

  He hesitated, then leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Look, I don’t know much about what’s going on, but... if you need something to help you feel more in control, more grounded, I might have just the thing.”

  She looked at him curiously, setting her mug down.

  Theo stood and moved to one of the cluttered shelves near the counter. After a moment of searching, he pulled down a small box carved from dark wood. Inside was a silver ring etched with delicate patterns that seemed to shimmer faintly in the dim light. He brought it back to the table, setting it down between them.

  “This is an old... charm, I guess you could call it,” he explained. “The story goes that it helps the wearer find inner clarity and confidence. Kind of like a way to focus your own strength when you need it most.” He gave her a lopsided smile. “I know it’s just a trinket, but I thought it might help.”

  The woman picked up the ring, turning it over in her hands. The etchings seemed to catch the light in strange ways, and for a moment, her guarded expression softened.

  “It’s beautiful,” she murmured. “How much?”

  Theo waved his hand. “Don’t worry about that. Consider it a gift. Besides, it’s not doing anyone any good sitting on a shelf gathering dust. Just be sure to come back and visit us again”

  Why Theo? Do you have some aversion to paying rent? Well, maybe it will lead to a regular customer in the future.

  She slipped the ring onto her finger, and for a moment, a strange expression crossed her face. She looked at Theo, her lips parting as if to say something, but then she stopped. Instead, she gave him the faintest of smiles. What kind of man gives a lady a ring when he first meets her?

  “Thank you,” she said softly. “My name is Raine, by the way.”

  “Theo, and you’re welcome.” He nodded, relieved. At least she seems to like it.

  As Raine finished her tea, the tension in her shoulders seemed to ease, just a little. When she finally stood, the ring glinting faintly on her finger, she looked steadier somehow, like she’d regained a small piece of herself. She had already spent too much time here. This seems like a good man and his life may now be in danger because of my presence, she thought. Ready or not, it’s time to leave.

  Theo watched as she walked to the door, her steps slow but deliberate. When she turned back to him, there was a flicker of something in her eyes - gratitude, maybe, or something more complicated.

  “Take care,” she said, her voice quiet but steady.

  “You too,” Theo replied, his smile warm but tinged with concern. “And if you ever need a place to catch your breath again, please remember us here at 9th Street Curios and Sundry”

  The door jingled softly as she left, and Theo stood there for a moment, staring at the empty space she’d left behind. He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

  “Well,” he muttered to himself, “if nothing else, at least she has something to help her now.”

  He glanced back at the shelf where the ring had been, feeling a quiet sense of satisfaction. He wasn’t in the habit of giving his wares away for free. But sometimes that’s what you had to do to win over a customer.

  As the quiet hum of the shop settled around him once more, Theo went back to cleaning, “I don’t think my store is dusty” he said softly to himself.