Page 12 of The Things That Hold Us

I wasn't spoiled growing up, but she never really knew how to tell me no. Especially being an only child.

“Ok.” I say. “Just don't show me all your plans. I want to be somewhat surprised.”

Cassie wiggles her eyebrows at me, and I feel like I should add some rules to the level of surprise I want. But it's probably best I just leave it alone.

The next couple days are filled with sending digital invites to people, which turns out to not be that hard considering I don't know a lot of people. There’s a young couple from my apartment complex, and a few regulars from the shop.

My mom, of course, because she insisted she get aproperinvitation. And then Cass took over the rest. She won’t let me help much besides answering yes or no questions.

It’s 7 a.m, and I just flipped my sign to ‘Open’. I head to the back room where I keep all of the things people bring me, and grab a box of new clowns and some baby dolls.

I’m putting them on the shelf when I hear the first customer come in.

“Come on in! I’ll be right there!” I yell from the other side of the store.

I set up the last baby doll that came in a twin set, and walk to the front. A girl no older than 10 stands there wearing overalls and boots, with her hair in a baseball cap.

“Oh.” I say, shocked. It’s not very often kids come in here alone.

“How can I help you?”

“I was told you have teapots.” she says, like that alone answers my question.

“I do.” I smile, and start walking to where the new set I put out last week is still sitting. It’s the prettiest set I’ve gotten in.

Soft white, with yellow and orange hand painted flowers, with gold lining them. I was kind of hoping no one would buy it.

The girl follows, not saying a word, but I hear her boots stomping behind me.

“Here.” I stop in front of the shelf. “I just put this one out last week, and it's somehow still here.”

I watch her eyes light up, and her mouth spreads into a wide grin.

“Oh it’s lovely.” she says, and I feel my eyebrows shoot up in surprise. I don't think I’ve ever heard a 10-year old use the word lovely before.

I laugh, then say, “It is. It’s also pretty pricey.” I show her the tag that says $50 on it, expecting her to show some disappointment, but she just nods.

“That’s ok. I got money for my birthday, and was told I could spend it however I want. And I want that teapot, please.”

Who is this kid?

“Fair enough. I’ll carry it to the front for you and get you checked out.”

She claps her hands in excitement, “Thank you!”

I wrap the teapot up, silently wishing it farewell, then place it in a bag for her.

Something clicks in my mind. That man, he came in here looking for a tea set for a birthday party. I wonder if this is his kid? I feel like that’s too much of a coincidence for them not to be connected somehow.

I hate prying, especially with kids, but I have to ask.

“Are you here by yourself? It's pretty brave of you to come into a store by yourself. I know I definitely wouldn't have when I was your age.”

She giggles, pulls her money out of her overall pocket, then points to the door with her thumb.

“No, my mom is in that coffee shop over there. It's boring. So I came here.” she smiles, then adds, “I am brave, you know.I once went duck hunting! I didn't shoot anything, though, but I watched.”

“Oh wow, that is very brave of you.” I wink, and hand her her bag.

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