Inktober 2024 - 26 - Camera

"Excuse me, Miss, please don't touch that!" the shop attendant blurts out in a panic.

Luckily, he manages to reach the young woman just before her index finger comes into contact with the antique camera in front of her. He lets out his breath in relief as she stops dead in her tracks.

"Why not?" she asks despite her obedience.

She does not look like she's used to antique shops. Bubblegum in her mouth, brightly coloured makeup, flashy clothes, a smartphone in her hand; a far-cry from the older more uptight crowd he is used to seeing in his establishment. But he tries not to judge people by how they present. Even when they try to preserve appearances, seemingly yielding to societal pressure, they cannot refrain their inner nature. Despite her modern looks, this young lady could very well be an avid collector of antiquities, couldn't she?

"First of all, because there is a sign the size of your head saying 'PLEASE, DO NOT TOUCH'. Second of all, because I'm asking nicely. And third of all… because it's old and fragile and more importantly cursed. So please, keep your hands to yourself."

"Cursed? This old camera is cursed?"

She points at it, and his hearts skips a beat at how close she comes to brushing against the object.

"That's right," he confirms with a polite smile.

Funny that this is what would register with her, but he can only blame himself for bringing it up.

"Well, I don't believe in curses, so if you're saying that to freak me out, it's not going to work."

She crosses her arms and stares him down. She seems used to getting her way. His own wrists tucked behind his back, he does not let her attitude dampen his resolve to keep her safe.

"So none of my other very valid reasons not to touch has stuck with you, then…" he mutters with a smile.

"Ever heard of the phrase 'the customer is always right'?"

So much for her proving appearances to be deceiving…

"Look, if you end up cursed on my watch, the paperwork alone is a real hassle, and if at all possible, I'd like to avoid that."

"When is the last time anyone was cursed by this camera, exactly?"

"Fortunately, about two republics ago, now. Do you really feel like breaking this lucky streak?"

"And what happened to them? The people that were cursed?"

"The camera took a picture, and they became trapped in it. It is now hanging in the back of the shop, if you want to see it."

"Why leave this in plain view if you believe it to be dangerous, huh?"

"Let's just say it has a mind of its own, like many other items here. As you can see, it is not for sale."

"I'm calling b…"

He isn't fast enough to stop her this time. She disappears upon contact with the camera, only to reappear in an almost life-size picture of her standing in this very shop. He did warn her…