There was something that drew Nate to the store. He was walking downtown, searching for the perfect gift for Christmas for his friend when he stumbled across the store. It was a nondescript little shop that barely called attention to itself. It had a sign over the door that was weathered and worn, barely readable. Which was odd, because Nate had been down this street numerous times in his life and thought he knew it well, but had never noticed this store before. The store front window was displayed with countless antiques and curious items. Intrigued as to what might lay inside, he walked over to the door and turned the knob. The old wooden door rattled a bit as it opened and he heard a bell ring, alerting his arrival. He closed the door behind him and found the store warm and welcoming. The wooden floorboards creaked under his sneakers as he slowly made his way through the quiet store.
Nate was a unremarkable, at least in the looks department. A little heavy set and decked out in a simple t-shirt and blue jeans, with a warm hoodie and jacket over it. He wandered down the aisles of the shop, taking in the assorted trinkets and artifacts that lined the shelves. There were so many random objects and items, he couldn't help but feel a bit overwhelmed. Little did he know the magical powers that each item had to change him in ways he could only imagine. Nate jumped a little when he heard a voice behind him ask if he needed help. He turned around and found a woman in her thirties standing behind him, with short brown hair, wearing a simple blouse and a pair of jeans. She certainly wasn't who he expected the shopkeeper to be.
"I'm sorry, did I startle you?" she asked with genuine concern.
"Yeah, a little." Nate smiled from relief. "Umm, I was just looking around."
"Looking for a gift, perhaps? Or something for yourself?"
"Maybe. I'm not sure. It depends on what all you have." Nate glanced around to the shelves.
"You should get something for yourself. You can get a gift for your friend at another shop. Whatever you buy here should be for you." the Shopkeeper replied, flashing him a coy smile.
"What makes you say that?" asked Nate.
"The items in my shop can cause changes in people. You look like you could use a change." With that the Shopkeeper turned and walked away to the back of the store, where the sales counter was.
Nate shrugged his shoulders and resumed browsing, wondering what might catch his interest.